TheCable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has laid a solid foundation of governance for the incoming federal government of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It said that despite losing control of the federal government and some of its states in the last general election, it is still the truly national political party with enough strength and spread to regain pre-eminence.

The party therefore stated that it would never contemplate a change of identity, noting that the unassailable vision of its founding fathers remains timeless in building a Nigeria of the collective wish and aspirations of all citizens.

A statement by Olisa Metuh, national publicity Secretary of the PDP, on Sunday, said that “having been the guardian of Nigerian democracy for sixteen years, during which it nurtured and blossomed democratic governance as well as etched its name in the pantheon of good governance, the PDP would not in the circumstance of ephemeral loss of power change its identity or its time-honoured characteristic values”.

The party said though it was resolutely committed to its present structures, it would not close its doors to other political parties wishing to be assimilated into its fold as the best vehicle for the fulfillment of political aspirations of all Nigerians regardless of tribe and religion.

“We have a name, tradition and values. Sixteen fruitful years as the guardian of Nigerian democracy cannot be nullified by the reason of temporary setback. We shall rise beyond all and regain our rhythm. Our colour remains green, white and red and power still belongs to the people. And to assert that we are proud of the successes of our successive leaders in taking Nigeria to its present height is an understatement, which the passage of the next four years under the APC will certainly prove”, it said.

PDP added that the fact that it was going into opposition would not mitigate its ability as the flagship of democracy, maintaining that it would soar higher in proving credible alternative as a constructive opposition, “far removed from the wrathful destruction that the APC lived thus far”.

“We have no doubt lifted the banner of democracy very high and only wish that the APC will move beyond excuses when it takes over in weeks’ time to reconcile mouthful promises with the reality of fulfillment. We have not only laid a solid foundation, we have built to a height that no denial can wish away,” the party said.

“We therefore call on all our members to ensure that they are not in any way distracted but remain focused as the unity, cohesion and regenerative capacity of the PDP is very much intact, election loss notwithstanding.”