Lagos PDP Set To Rebuild Party

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed its readiness to rebuild and nurture the party for greater achievement ahead of 2015 general elections.

The state chairman of the party, Olatunji Shelle, who said this at a press conference held at the party secretariat in Ikeja, added that the party wants to make it clear to all its members that they should brace for new strides in the party.

He said: “This is our agenda for the next few years while we continue to make amends on the best methods and practices that will not only deepen democracy in our party but also ensure that we deliver on our objectives as a political party. The new executive of our party is poised to redefine the basic issues in our politics by running an inclusive and responsible administration for the greater good of all our members.

“The subsisting problems of governance in the state are also important to us because we believe life could be better for the good people of Lagos State. We believe it is now overdue for our party to form the next government in the state and 2015 is our target to realise this goal. We are committed to this agenda.

“Many non-partisan Lagosians are actually yearning for a change in government but we can only realise this desire to provide a credible alternative by winning election. A lot of work needs to be done.

“We shall be open to criticism, especially where such criticism is constructive. Consequently, encourage an effective feedback mechanism that keeps the new leadership in constant interaction with all our members and the general public so that there is a free flow of communication on issues of common interest,” he noted.

The former state publicity secretary of the party said: “Of course, without discipline we can hardly deliver on our set objectives and this is why we are craving the indulgence of our members to appreciate the need for cooperation and collective contributions in the new dispensation.

“The task to make Lagos State a PDP state is one that must be done and collectively too. We have to realise that it is when we win elections that we can be happy because the dividends of democracy can then benefit everyone. This should be a major lesson going by our history. We are mindful of the challenges ahead but we are also very hopeful that reclaiming our lost glory as a state is very possible,” he stressed.

He said the party shall commence a state wide mobilisation to elicit the support of all Lagosians who are groaning under the inhuman policies of the present ACN administration, adding that to better articulate these plans, they shall look beyond the PDP confines.

“We shall partner with every segment of the populace suffering from such terrible mismanagement of our state resources. Thus we shall open our offices to partner with the civil societies, NGOs, professional bodies, genuine activists, groups and, indeed, the Press. We hope to correct such anomalies when we take over governance in due time.

“As part of our rebuilding plan, we are also devoting greater attention to our youths and women departments, redefining their roles to fit into our new agenda and operations. We recognise their importance especially during elections. Henceforth, they shall be well mobilised to function so well in adding value to our objectives as a party in serious contention for power.

“We want to also admonish all our candidates now sworn in as councillors to remain steadfast as good ambassadors of our great party in their respective areas. Similarly, we want to reassure our candidates still at the Local Government election tribunals that we shall continue to support them to reclaim their mandates.

“By working together as a family, reflecting on our history and possibilities, we hope to make a difference that can transform not only the PDP to a winning party but also creating a befitting culture in our politics. We represent the change we are yearning for and this should also reflect in our attitude to our politics for a better tomorrow,” he said.

—Yisa Jamiu