President Goodluck Jonathan says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) organised its Special National Convention to show its commitment to the rule of law and the principle of internal democracy.
He said this on Saturday in Abuja at the Eagle Square, venue of the convention which was organised to elect officers into the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The convention was necessitated by the July 25 ruling of an Abuja High Court which declared the March 2012 National Convention of the party a nullity.
The court had said it based its ruling on an earlier INEC report which faulted the election of eight out of the 12 members of the party`s NWC.
President Jonathan said the party decided to obey the court’s ruling and do what INEC stipulated, instead of resorting to a legal tussle.
“We are here today to affirm our commitment to the rule of law and the principle of internal democracy,’’ he said.
The president said the PDP was the only political party in the country that was “truly owned by the people’’.
“PDP is the only party that does not align itself to religious and ethnic sentiments. It focuses attention on ensuring true development across the country,’’ he said.
Jonathan said the PDP-led Federal Government under his leadership was working round the clock to revamp the country`s economy and ensure development in all sectors.
“Under the present administration in the country, the telecommunications sector has become one of the biggest in the world.
“The banking sector which used to be consumed by systemic crisis has been stabilised, because of the banking sector reform by my administration,’’ he said.
Jonathan, however, said there was the need for party members to remain focussed and disciplined always in order for PDP to remain strong and successful.
He expressed optimism that the party would continue to be bigger and stronger in spite of its internal crisis, saying “PDP is the party for all Nigerians’’.
President Jonathan had on arrival at the convention venue gone round on foot to acknowledge cheers from party members and supporters.
This is a departure from the situation at previous conventions, when he had gone round to acknowledge cheers in a motorcade.
Also speaking at the convention, Vice-President Namadi Sambo said Nigerians’ confidence in the PDP had been boosted by the party’s development strides across the country recently.
He restated federal government`s commitment to ensuring a harmonious working relationship between the three tiers of government.
The Vice-President called on aspirants at the convention to play the game by the rule, adding “in this family, there shall be no victor and no vanquished’’.
Close to 3,500 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT cast their votes for aspirants of their choice at the convention.
A total of 146 voting points were provided at the convention venue to fasten the voting process.
By the arrangement, 120 delegates were to vote at the same time.
Meanwhile, traders took opportunity of the large turnout of party members and the delegates to do bricks business selling deferent kinds of items at the convention venue.
A medical unit was also on ground to attend to persons who may need medical attention.
