What Obasanjo told new PDP leaders in Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday advised the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to confront indiscipline within the party head-on.

Obasanjo gave the counsel while receiving the party’s National Chairman, Turaki, alongside other members of the NWC in Abeokuta, where he lauded the current leadership for its efforts at stabilising and repositioning the party.

The former President commended the steps already taken by the committee and urged its members to remain resolute in their assignment, stressing the need to entrench discipline within the party. According to him, “anybody who wants to belong to a political party must adhere strictly to its rules and regulations.

“Things are not beyond repairs. Soldier on…You are doing very well,” Obasanjo said, as he encouraged the NWC to carry out its responsibilities with diligence and tact.

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He underscored the role of a strong and focused opposition in a democratic system, charging the committee to always prioritise the national interest in its actions.

Obasanjo further noted that the challenges confronting the country demand constructive engagement from all political actors, adding that Nigeria’s interest must come first. He pledged to make his experience and political insights available to the party leadership, assuring them of his readiness to offer guidance when needed.

The former President also stressed that the way and manner the Federal Government is going, they can’t take Nigeria anywhere good.

In his response, Turaki expressed deep appreciation to Obasanjo on behalf of the entire NWC.

“Your continued support and wisdom mean a great deal to us, Sir.
“Your advice and great counsel are always very helpful and we will rely on them as we work tirelessly to rebuild and unify our party. We came here specifically to tap into your experience and benefit from your invaluable perspective on both the party’s future and the state of our nation,” the PDP chairman said.

Turaki assured the former President that the NWC under his leadership remains committed to internal peace, genuine reconciliation and preparing the party to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

Members of the NWC delegation included the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang; former Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu; the PDP candidate in Ekiti State, Dr Oluwole Oluyede; other members of the National Working Committee, as well as prominent party leaders from the South-West and other parts of the country.