Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State on Monday described the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), as a necessary phase of self-discovery.

According to him, the crisis would reposition the party for victory, in the subsequent general elections in the country.

Governor Dickson stated this in an interview with journalists, shortly after conducting the Ondo State 2016 Gubernatorial Primary Election in which Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) emerged as the flag bearer of the PDP.

The Governor said that, although, what is happening in the PDP is not ideal, expressing hope that, the party would come out of the crisis stronger and united to re-invent a more prosperous Nigeria.

While commending the flag bearer and his co-contestant, Hon. Sakar Lawal for their show of maturity and love for the party, he urged Nigerians and PDP faithful not to despair in the face of the ongoing crisis, stressing that, the party has what it takes to get over it and provide a credible alternative in solving the socio-economic problems of the country.

The Governor, who is the chairman of the Electoral Committee also lauded the delegates and leaders of the party in the state, particularly Governor Olusegun Mimiko for providing purposeful leadership for the state and the party.

He said: “The PDP is going through an unfortunate phase. But as some say, it is an unnecessary phase of self-discovery and it is the first time the PDP has found itself in opposition. And now, without the centre, we are grappling to re-discover ourselves.

”The various players and party generally are adjusting ourselves to our new role as a party in opposition. Let me therefore, use this opportunity to call on Nigerians and party faithful not to lose hope even though what is going on is not ideal. But we hope to get over it and then give Nigerians what they are yearning for; and that is to provide a credible alternative for a new Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, commended the Governor Dickson-led electoral panel for conducting what they described as the most transparent and freest primary election in the annals of the party in recent times.

He particularly appreciated Governor Dickson for bringing his integrity to bear on the conduct of the primaries, noting that, the transparent and fair manner it held speaks volumes of the seriousness with which the PDP is addressing its challenges, with a view to recapturing power at the centre in 2019.

Making reference to his achievements in the state in the last 7 years, Dr. Mimiko expressed optimism that, the PDP would win the Ondo State Governorship polls slated for November, this year convincingly.

In their separate speeches, the PDP standard bearer, Barr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) and his co-contestant Hon. Saka, Lawal, who polled 22 votes out of a total of 782 accredited voters, promised to close ranks and work for the victory of the party in the forthcoming election.

•Photo shows Governor Dickson.

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