PDP rules out special treatment for new members

Group urges merit, retention of zoning formula

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday ruled out special treatment for new members. Its national caretaker committee chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who dropped the hint in Abuja during a courtesy call on him by stalwarts, made it clear that loyalty would, however, be rewarded.

He assured party members of fairness, transparency and equity.His words: “We are open to reconciling with everybody. We are open to accepting new entrants but no privileges for anybody coming into the party. That is not an issue to be contemplated. No exclusivity. It will be inclusive without any special treatment.”

Makarfi said the party was guarding against the mistake of the ruling party, adding: “That is how the All Progressives Congress (APC) got it wrong. We should learn from that. What we need to do is to create a level-playing field.”

Makarfi, however, noted that Nigeria remains the only African nation where what he called ‘nomadic’ politicians exist. The PDP rescue group commended the caretaker committee for being committed to the spirit of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ and asked Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his supporters to reciprocate the gesture.

Led by Ambassador Wilberforce Juta, the group noted that the Supreme Court judgment offered a great relief to the party.
Also yesterday, the forum of PDP former ministers rose from a meeting in Abuja asking the party to base the election of its next national officers on merit.

It stressed that there were people of repute in every part of the country, noting that the party would not encounter problem if it adheres to merit.

Led by former Special Duties Minister, Tanimu Turaki, the forum insisted that the existing zoning formula which took the presidency to the north and the national chairman seat to the South be retained.