Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates at the national convention holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Wednesday have been told to resist any attempt by some selfish politicians to rig the election into the position of the national chairman.
To the South-South Youth Renewal, any attempt to rig the election will lead to the disintegration of the party.
The group, which raised the alarm over a plot by some influential members of the party to manipulate the process, urged the delegates to vote for Chief Olabode George as the national chairman “because he is the only one who can steer the party to safety in this turbulent period”.
The group alleged of moves by some persons who want to hijack the party to impose Mr. Jimi Agbaje as the next chairman rather than providing a level playing field for the contestants in the election to test their popularity.
President of the group, Mr. Ipalibo Tonye, who addressed the media in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said that the party needs to be rebuilt by a popular, matured and experienced candidate.
He said that in a free, fair and credible election, only experienced candidates whose contribution to the growth of the party stand the chance of winning positions, stressing the need for a credible election.
Tonye appealed to Governors Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers), who he noted are playing a key role in who emerges as chairman, to respect the wish of the South-West PDP, which he pointed out picked George as its candidate for the chairmanship.
He said: “We believe that if our leaders in the PDP are sincere, honest, well-meaning and genuine, our party can be brought back to its winning ways.
“But in all sincerity, our leaders are very selfish, unthoughtful and narrow-minded. They know what is good, they know what is fair and just. But in their desperate and selfish inclinations, they are blinded by personal greed and sheer selfish pursuit.”
He predicted the eventual collapse of the PDP if George, who he described as the most qualified candidate vying for the chairmanship, is denied the opportunity to lead and rebuild the party through a stage-managed election.
Tonye added: “We are in a time of great moral crisis. We are in a time that requires tested and experienced hand. We are in a time that requires matured, disciplined and intelligent leadership.
“This is not the time for a greenhorn who would be tele-guided and led by the nose. This is not the time for an unsteady and uncertain hand. Today, we need a seasoned administrator, a tested and trusted hand”.
