PDP still biggest party in sub-Saharan Africa, says Fintiri

Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the largest political party in sub-Saharan Africa. 

He added that aside from Islam, the PDP is the source of all his achievements in life.

Fintiri spoke on Monday in Abuja during a meeting of the protocol committee of the planned PDP national convention. 

The governor said the party has begun compiling a list of delegates ahead of the convention, which is scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo state.

“I want to reassure you that, on our side, we are fully committed and will not leave any stone unturned. We are putting in our best and making sacrifices to ensure a successful convention and battle,” Fintiri said.

“The chairman (Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau) said I will be in Ibadan for one week. I may be there for three weeks.

“Apart from Islam, PDP is the next association that has given me everything I have achieved in life. I will forever remain grateful to this party.

“Not under our leadership, not during our time, will we let this party down. As you can see from the members’ commitment, everyone is determined.”

Fintiri assured party members of a credible convention, saying the “calibre of men and women we will produce as leaders to handle this party in the next national working committee will be people of worth”.

“When we parade them, the country will know that the PDP is still alive,” he said.

“We are not going to deny anybody the chance to contest. I will personally ensure that the screening process is transparent.

“Everybody who has purchased forms will be screened as long as there are no encumbrances in their documents or records.

“Go and test your popularity in the field because we are already finalising the names of the delegates.

“If you feel you are popular, go to the field and test your strength. In the end, those supported by the majority will emerge victorious.

“People are beginning to trust and show commitment to what we are doing. At the end of the day, we will provide the kind of responsible leadership required to steer this party forward.”

Fintiri added that the PDP is the “biggest and largest party in sub-Saharan Africa”.

He urged party members to make sacrifices for the convention’s success and avoid distraction.

Mutfwang, chair of the protocol subcommittee for the PDP convention, noted that the level of mobilisation and commitment ahead of the Ibadan gathering reflected the party’s resilience and determination to reclaim its place as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.