PDP Releases Official Statement On Obasanjo's Quit

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lamented over the move of Nigeria’s former President Oluesegun Obasanjo, who February 16 dumped the party.

OBJ tore his PDP membership card to pieces as he announced his decision not to stay in politics any longer. This resulted in many angry comments.

The secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, Walid Jibrin, said Obasanjo acted irresponsibly, his colleague, Tony Anenih, said the ex President would not be missed; Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayoseб even expressed happiness over the politician’s departure saying it was good for the PDP.

Finally, here comes the official reaction of the ruling party. In the February 16 press statement titled “Obasanjo’s Exit: ‘We Remain Focused’ – PDP”, the party expressed sadness over the development.

See the statement by the PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh:

“The leadership Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has received the news of the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to withdraw his membership of our great party. We have also carefully examined the circumstances and the reasons adduced for this unfortunate decision. 

“While we concede to the inalienable rights of every citizen to hold opinion and to decide who to associate with, we are however deeply saddened that Chief Obasanjo, a revered leader of our party, our first Presidential flagbearer whom the PDP offered the platform to rule our nation for eight years, could decide to abandon this party at this critical point in time.

“This is especially as Chief Obasanjo, who was also the Chairman of the highest advisory organ of the PDP, the Board of Trustees (BoT) discountenanced all pleas by elders and leaders of our great party with regard to his reservations on certain issues within our fold.

Many Nigerians are still bewildered as to what manner of provocation could have led a former President to lose his composure and go to the extent of tearing the membership card of the party that he once led.

“Indeed, the PDP is hugely at loss as to how the decision and action of the former President who had enjoyed the benefits of being elected to the highest position of leadership will assist in deepening our democracy and stabilizing the polity.

“It is our considered opinion that no matter the provocation, a statesmanly disposition from a person of Chief Obasanjo’s status could have encouraged our citizens and help in stabilizing system. 

“We believe however, that what this country needs now is patriotic actions that engender national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence of our people irrespective of political, ethnic and religious persuasions.

“The overall interest of our nation and wellbeing of our citizens must remain paramount and above all personal and group interests.

“Finally, we direct all our members across the country to remain focused on our campaigns and not to be distracted on this issue. With an array of credible candidates led by our Presidential flagbearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, we are sure that we will emerge victorious come March 28 and April 11, 2015 general elections.”

It is also worth mentioning that hours after Obasanjo had made public his decision, the Ogun State chapter of the PDP announced the expulsion of the politician from the party.