Ex-envoy warns PDP against imposition of candidates

A former Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana, Isaac Onuh, on Sunday warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the imposition of candidates towards the next general election.

He said for the party to avoid a repeat of the defeat it suffered in the 2015  general elections, candidates should be allowed to emerge democratically.

Onuh stated this at Okpo and Ankpa headquarters of Olamaboro and Ankpa local government areas of Kogi State during a meeting of party executives for the Ankpa/ Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, in the forthcoming election.

The former envoy, who is aspiring to occupy the Ankpa/ Olamaboro/ Omala federal constituency seat in the house of representatives, however, expressed optimism that the PDP was capable of returning to power.

He said his aspiration was borne out of the desire to reposition the PDP which he was a founding member and to provide effective legislation that would fast-track development of the zone.

He added that the work in the national assembly is about talking and lobbying, warning the delegates to shun inducement and manipulation that could jeopardise the chances of the party.

He also tasked the delegates to ensure that candidates with requisite capability are elected to fly the flag of the party in the 2019 general elections.

Onuh, who was a member of the state house of assembly, said his records when he represented Omala state constituency was still unbeaten, adding that he and his colleagues in the party stood vehemently against all odds to defect to the then ruling party.

He said, “I was in the assembly in 1999– 2003. PDP had 12 members while the ruling APP had 13. We resisted entreaties to decamp. Our performance is yet to be beaten. Assembly world over is all about the business of talking and constructive engagement. I Assure you that I will not let you down when elected.

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“I must commend the effort of the former Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Idris for his persistent encouragement for me to return to the PDP which is my home. In the course of history, a man with a beautiful daughter does not require elaborate fasting for the daughter to get a husband. PDP is a beautiful bride and I state categorically that our party is a party to beat in Nigeria.

“Yes, I went astray and like the proverbial son, I have come back to my house. Our people said when a man travelled from his house no matter the duration and he returned he would not be called a stranger. I advised our party to put off sentiments to elect a candidate that can be  marketed.” He advised.

In a remark, a member of PDP Stakeholders forum in Ankpa, Hassan Yakubu Enape appealed to members to be focused and steadfast to choose a qualified and capable candidate, saying the present predicament of the party should be used to reposition the party”.