The ambition of Chief Raymond Dokpesi as a leading contender for Peoples Democratic Party National Chairmanship received a boost on Saturday when elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai endorsed his candidature ahead of National Convention of the Party scheduled to hold on August 13.
In a statement by Media Aide Omor Bazuaye to Raymond Dokpesi Campaign Organisation, the Octogenarian gave his endorsement and blessings after Dokpesi visited him (Yakassai) in his home in Kano.
While receiving Dokpesi, Yakassai said he has been watching events in the party from the side lines saying that Dokpesi has come of age to lead PDP.
He said Dokpesi more than anyone else in the race has the expertise and capacity to deliver on the job; pointing out that PDP needs Dokpesi’s kind of energy to reactivate itself and return to winning ways.
Yakassai recalled that when he and others in 1998 decided to form a political party, what they had in mind was a party that is people oriented. A party where power would flow from the people, explaining the slogan “Power to the People”.
But, the reports I received from my visitors concerning the party clearly seem to suggest otherwise; which is a enough to break my heart, Yakassai stated.
While speaking, Dokpesi informed the elder statesman of how impunity crept in; creating an order of imposition which he said eventually led to the party’s defeat at the last election.
Dokpesi said the same attitude is beginning to rear its head even as the party goes into its National Convention in Port Harcourt; following decisions by Southern PDP to micro-zone the position of National Chairman to Southwest.
Reacting, Yakassai said zoning has always been enshrined in PDP constitution and that he has always been an advocate of it.
He however said zoning should not be to exclude any member and for a few persons to use it to manipulate the process for their selfish interest.
Yakassai calls for a level playing field for all.
The elder statesman slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC); lamenting the level of hardship in the country; comparing the prices of commodities when PDP was in charge and what it they now sell for.
He said Nigerians would easily vote the PDP in 2019; having seen what he calls lustre lacking performance from APC.
