Jettison Hypocrites, Bad Eggs – Obasanjo Charges PDP
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can only bounce back to full national reckoning by purging itself of ‘hypocrites and bad eggs’.
This is as he again took a swipe at the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, insisting that the PDP flag-bearer in the February 23 Presidential election, Atiku Abubakar still remains a better choice for the country.
“I said if you compare the two of them, with what I know and all I have written about the incumbent, which they have decided to cover up, Atiku is better than the incumbent by far. That’s the point I am making. And nobody is perfect”, Obasanjo said unapologetic.
He however maintained that the PDP leadership must urgently shop for ‘critical mass of committed people’ to populate the party if they are interested in returning fully to national limelight.
Speaking when PDP leaders from South West geo-political zone led by its National Vice Chairman, South West, Dr Eddy Olafeso, visited his Pent-House Residence, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke – Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said the party must not harbour or tolerate ‘bad eggs and hypocrites’ going forward.
According to him, many PDP leaders were after their pockets and stomach, adding that these bad eggs are too selfish and lack the commitment to help the party regain its lost glory.
He said Nigerians need a vibrant voice and opposition in PDP in the task of building a virile and dividend-yielding democracy, adding that the country cannot make progress and achieve the required developmental milestones if it continues in the present trajectory of non-performance by political leaders.
Chief Obasanjo said the PDP cannot compromise the issue of commitment by its members who are “ready to stand with the party come rain, come shine.”
“I knew PDP would lose election in 2015 because it was clear. And I knew PDP will need to be re-built after losing the election. You need what I call critical mass of committed people, and come rain, come shine they are committed. With that, you can make Nigeria better.
“You see peoples’ faces beautiful but you don’t know what each person harbours inside of him. If you discover a bad egg, remove such a person. And if such person has learnt his or her lessons there can still be room to accommodate the person.
“Politically speaking, you can’t be my friend if you don’t buy into the Nigeria’s project. For me, till death, I will continue to push for a better Nigeria.
On his support for PDP’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar during the 2019 presidential poll, Obasanjo said Atiku stands tall above incumbent President Buhari, adding; “I am not a perfect person. I have my shortcomings. If I deny my shortcomings, it means I am not being truthful to myself. But, my shortcomings have nothing to do with my love for Nigeria. It has nothing to do with being greedy or selfishness.”
Speaking earlier, the team leader, Dr Olafeso described Chief Obasanjo as loyal, upright and committed leader ever ‘ready to speak the truth to the power’ and not minding whose ox is gored.
He said the PDP team was in Abeokuta to celebrate with the former President on his recently marked 82nd birthday, noting that the Party could not have done well in the last elections in the South West without his support.
“Your voice resonates above all the lies told in the country and you told the world what is actually happening in your country. You decided that you are going to stand up and fight. There is nothing we can say here that would compensate the role you have played”, he said.
Dr Olafeso further said; “You supported our presidential candidate and I know for sure that he won that election even if the powers-that-be decided to write results for themselves in the North.
“It is certainly sure that it is the corner you asked all of us to go that won that election and I know fully-well that God will take this thing back to our party.”
Those in the PDP delegation include; Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi; Senators-elect, Oyo South, Kola Balogun; and Ondo Central, Ayo Akinyelure; Rep-elect (Ibarapa North and Central), Hon Ajibola Muraina; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and former Minister for State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada.
Others are former Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedoku; former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; PDP candidate in 2017 Ondo State governorship poll, Eyitayo Jegede SAN; and PDP candidate in 2018 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, Prof Olusola Eleka.
