A head of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, former Senate President David Mark, yesterday, cautioned party leaders to guard against impunity or imposition of candidates. Mark recalled that the defeat of the PDP in the general election was self inflicted on account of imposition of candidates and impunity.
A statement by his Media assistant said the former Senate president spoke at a meeting with executive members of the Benue State chapter of the PDP in Otukpo. It said Mark noted that:
It is incumbent on our leaders and members to allow the popular will of the people prevail at the congresses and convention.โ
The statement said Mark urged PDP members to remain steadfast, just as he frowned against defections at will because of the challenges. Mark stressed that such inconsistencies neither enhances the democratic culture nor the integrity or credibility of politicians who defect. He said:
If we must uphold the sanctity of democratic culture, we must follow the path of honour like the Democrats and Republicans in the United States of America or the Labour Party or the Conservatives in the United Kingdom, who hold on to their political ideologies, no matter the oddsโ.
Mark restated that no matter the challenges, he will not leave the PDP, a platform he said afforded him the opportunity to contest and win elections since 1999.
He reminded party faithful to work hard in the days ahead as credible opposition and overcome the challenges.
