Ahead of the 2023 elections, the third general election since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ceased to be the ruling party in the Nigeria, the Chairman of its Governors Forum, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has expressed optimism that the party is set to reclaim its glory.
Gov. Tambuwal stated this on Saturday at the party’s special national convention held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
According to Gov. Tambuwal, despite the antics of detractors to roll back the 16 years impressive credentials of the party, the party is still in the forefront and endearing.
“Analysts and observers agreed that there are attempts to scuttle our unity as a party and as a people. There are people working to present us as weak and in disarray.
“But I am happy to report that contrary to the naysayers the PDP is today the strongest and most cohesive party in Nigeria.
“I am happy to report that those who want to divide and weaken us are the ones failing and we are winning,” the Governor told a joyous and tumultuous crowd.
Enumerating the problems of the country and the continent of Africa as: challenges of insecurity, unemployment, rising cost of energy, food and other essential items for living decent lives,” he said the PDP as “the best platform to move the country forward” is poised to embark on intensive membership drive that will soon “welcome new members… [and] other patriots and concerned Nigerians to join us… to move Nigeria forward.”
Emphasizing the need to harness the potential of young people and provision of succor to old people, he noted that “the current state of the nation is a far cry from the need of our people across the country.”
Gov. Tambuwal said the PDP is undaunted by the myriads of challenges “made worse by the (COVID-19) pandemic affected other issues across the world,” he advocated that the PDP should remain “united, disciplined and focused on finding ways to bring out the best of our people and building systems and institutions that aid not destroy.”
He reeled out the achievements of the PDP when it was in power for 16 years. These include: liberalization of telecommunications, diffusion of GSM, building of the institutions of drug administration, anti graft, health insurance and the creation of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Other achievements he listed were introduction of card readers, conception of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Bank Verification Number (BVN), new pension scheme, modern drivers license, restoration of the Abuja-Kaduna rail and location of more airports across the country.
More so, the Sokoto state Governor said the PDP ‘negotiated and settled…foreign debts, fast paced the country’s economy, implemented bank reforms and stabilized the Naira.
Acknowledging that “governing Nigeria is not an easy task,” Tambuwal chastised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government that is “carrying a burden that is making it wobble.”
“It is time to relieve them of that burden,” he stated.