Few hours after two top leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s decision to dump the party. as irresponsible, the national leadership of the party says it was “saddened” by Mr. Obasanjo’s departure, and lamented the party’s inability to pacify the former president after several pleas.”
The former president announced his resignation from the party at a dramatic meeting where he ordered his party membership card be shredded.
Shortly after he made his pronouncement, secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, Walid Jibrin, said Obasanjo acted irresponsibly, while its chairman, Tony Anenih, said the former leader will not be missed by the party.
However, in its official statement, signed by spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, the PDP said it was “saddened” by Mr. Obasanjo’s departure, and lamented the party’s inability to pacify the former president after several pleas.
The party said that while it concede to the inalienable rights of every citizen to hold opinion and to decide who to associate with, “we are however deeply saddened that Chief Obasanjo, a revered leader of our party, our first Presidential flagbearer whom the PDP offered the platform to rule our nation for eight years, could decide to abandon this party at this critical point in time.
The party expressed its frustrations that the former leader discountenanced all pleas by elders and leaders of the party with regard to his reservations on certain issues within its fold.
“Many Nigerians are still bewildered as to what manner of provocation could have led a former President to lose his composure and go to the extent of tearing the membership card of the party that he once led.
“Indeed, the PDP is hugely at loss as to how the decision and action of the former President who had enjoyed the benefits of being elected to the highest position of leadership will assist in deepening our democracy and stabilizing the polity.
It is said that no matter the provocation, a statesmanly disposition from a person of Chief Obasanjo’s status could have encouraged our citizens and help in stabilizing system.
“We believe however, that what this country needs now is patriotic actions that engender national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence of our people irrespective of political, ethnic and religious persuasions.
“The overall interest of our nation and wellbeing of our citizens must remain paramount and above all personal and group interests.”