PDP Already Looking Beyond 2015 And Even 2019, Says Anenih

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Tony Anenih, yesterday expressed the confidence that the ruling party would rule beyond 2019.

Anenih, in a statement titled: “Nigeria is stronger than it has ever been” issued in Abuja to mark Democracy Day, said the party is looking beyond the next election because it has kept faith with the Nigerian people in the last 15 years since the return to democratic rule.

Anenih praised the PDP-led Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it has been upholding the tenets of democracy.

He said despite the security challenges bedevilling the country, Nigeria remains stronger than it has ever been.

The PDP chieftain while appreciating the support of Nigerians for the party over the years, noted that the democratic journey is proof that the ruling party has faithfully discharged its duty to the country.

“Indeed, in its 15 years at the helm of affairs of our great nation, the PDP has created an atmosphere that allows total freedom of expression, dissent and the greatest level of inclusive political participation ever recorded in our country.  A case in point is that never before has Nigeria seen the high number of women in senior elective and appointive positions as obtains today under the PDP’s leadership

“Moreover, it is to the credit of the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan-led PDP government that this ambience of democratic freedom has encouraged the most combative opposition rhetoric ever experienced in Nigeria’s history.  President Jonathan has also demonstrated respect for the rule of law by his non-interference in judicial, legislative and electoral matters.

“Ironically, our liberal and exceptionally tolerant president has been vilified for promoting and protecting the very democratic freedoms that others are using unfairly against the government”, he said.

The PDP BoT chairman said the party would, however, continue to be on the side of what is right by upholding the sanctity of unhindered democratic interaction and expression in our country.

“The PDP is looking beyond 2015 and even 2019 when the Fourth Republic will be twenty years old”, he stated, adding that the party would continue to strengthen the mechanism for internal democracy while urging other parties to follow suit.