A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, made his first appearance at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja with a crowd of supporters where he said this is the moment for the PDP.

The ex-VP arrived the Wadata Plaza by 11:58 am and went straight to the office of the PDP National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, where they had a brief chat.

Few minutes after, Makarfi led members of the caretaker committee down to the National Executive Committee (NEC) hall where they officially received Atiku.

Addressing party leaders and supporters, Atiku said, “Many of you have read in the media that I have returned home. This is the home. PDP is going to come back.”

‎Apparently mocking the ruling All Progressives Congress, Atiku said, “No government has done 50 per cent of what we (PDP) had achieved in government. We made mistakes and we are telling Nigerians that we have learned from our mistakes.”

Atiku appealed to all those who left the PDP to return, adding that there was no other political party in Nigeria like the PDP.

“We should remember that those of us who founded this party founded it on the principles of democracy, good governance, unity of this country and the prosperity of its people.

“Over the years, like any or every human organisation, it has faced its challenges, but I want to pay tribute to those who have stayed steadfast through thick and thin to see us through to this point.

“Now that we have learnt our lessons, I hope that we will be guided by the lessons we have learned. And that is to make sure that we build an all-inclusive party where every part of this country will have a sense of belonging and sense of participation.

“To achieve all these, there must be sacrifices, understanding and compromises in the process. And that is what I speak to members to imbibe.

“But as you know, one thing that I will never compromise is the internal democracy process in a given political party. And I hope we all must have learned our lessons.

“I therefore want to pledge to you Mr. Chairman and members of the National Working Committee that my returning home is to help continue with the work you have started, reforming, re-branding this very party which is the only party in this country.

“Let me pay tribute to the past leadership of this great party; wherever they may be, and to call upon them to please return home as I have done.

“It is only by their returning home that we will build a stronger, more united party that can again return to government and continue to deliver the dividends of democracy,” he said.

Responding, Senator Makarfi said, “We expect more high profile returnees into the party. Your Excellency, you are very much welcome home.”

Makarfi explained that the party didn’t strike any deal with Atiku before his return, adding that the ex-VP had returned in good time and his return would open the floodgate for others to return.

Makarfi said the party’s target was to return to power at the federal level, reclaim and win more states, national and state assembly seats and local government areas. (Daily trust)

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