TheCable

Jerry Gana, an ex-minister of information and former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (PDP), has been formally readmitted into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Although Gana had announced his return to the PDP on Wednesday, he was formally welcomed back to the partyat the PDP north-central congress held in Benue state on Saturday.

Four other former PDP members — Humphrey Abah, Esther Audu, Adakole Ijogi, and Bagudu Hirse — also returned to the party on Saturday.

Gana had earlier dumped the PDP for SDP in March 2018.

He later joined the 2019 presidential race under the SDP, but was disqualified after an appeal court judgement declared Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River state, winner of the party’s primary election.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees at the PDP north-central zonal congress in Makurdi, Benue state capital, Gana described PDP as a “party of purpose, discipline and a party that has all the potentials to move the country forward”.

“Nigerians expect you to take over the governance of this country for good, and to ensure the peace and security of this country,” he said.

“I, therefore, urge the PDP to mobilise and be united to rescue Nigeria and restore good governance, ensure the security of lives and property, and instill confidence in the minds of all Nigerians.”

Gana thanked David Mark, former senate president, for leading the reconciliation delegation to ensure that former members return to the fold.

He also expressed optimism that the party will win the presidency in 2023.

“Now that we are back, we will do our best to mobilise, rebuild and reunite the party to take up the mantle of leadership come 2023,” he added.

While receiving the returnees on behalf of the national chairman of the party, Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, said their return will make the party stronger.

The governor noted that the party will take advantage of the shortcomings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to regain power in 2023.

He also advised the new leadership of the party in the zone to imbibe equity, fairness, and preserve the constitution of the PDP.

“There will be no more godfatherism or imposition of the candidates in the PDP. The decisions of the people will prevail,” he added.