PDP expel Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria
ABEOKUTA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. February 16, 2015 — Ogun state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party [PDP] has expelled former President Obasanjo.
Chief Bayo Dayo, Ogun state PDP Chairman, who announced Obasanjo’s expulsion and excommunication from the party, said: “Following series of unabated anti-party activities unbecoming of a highly celebrated party man engaged in by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the totality of the executive, leaders and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) family in Ogun State hereby state categorically as from today Monday, February 16, 2015, Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo stands expelled and excommunicated from the party, thereby losing all rights, previous privileges and respect of our teeming party members… The general public, especially the media, are to take note that whatever Obasanjo does or says must no longer be seen from the prism of a PDP leader.”
Few hours prior to being expelled and excommunicated from the party, Chief Obasanjo had torn his PDP membership card saying: “They said they want to expel me from PDP, although I have not been told but I have my ears on ground. We’ve been trying to run away from a man but he pleads we wait for him at the other side of the river. I have told you before that I became president on the platform of PDP, once I leave PDP I will not join any party… I will only be a Nigerian, I am ready to work with anybody regardless of political affiliation. Why would some people say they want to send me away, they don’t need to bother themselves, here’s your membership card, take it… From today on, in the presence of all us and with your support, I am not going to be in any political party in Nigeria. I am no more a politician but a statesman both internally and externally. The issued that they want to expel me from the party for, once you people are with me what other people am I looking for”
Olusegun Obasanjo (Left) watching his aide shredding the card
Through a press release “Obasanjo’s Exit: We Remain Focused” Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary, said: The leadership Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received the news of the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to withdraw his membership of our great party. We have also carefully examined the circumstances and the reasons adduced for this unfortunate decision.
While we concede to the inalienable rights of every citizen to hold opinion and to decide who to associate with, we are however deeply saddened that Chief Obasanjo, a revered leader of our party, our first Presidential flag bearer whom the PDP offered the platform to rule our nation for eight years, could decide to abandon this party at this critical point in time.
This is especially as Chief Obasanjo, who was also the Chairman of the highest advisory organ of the PDP, the Board of Trustees (BoT) discountenanced all pleas by elders and leaders of our great party with regard to his reservations on certain issues within our fold.
Many Nigerians are still bewildered as to disregard what manner of provocation that could have led a former President to loose his composure and go to the extent of tearing the membership card of the party that he once led.
Indeed, the PDP is hugely at loss as to how the decision and action of the former President who had enjoyed the benefits of being elected to the highest position of leadership will assist in deepening our democracy and stabilizing the polity.
It is our considered opinion that no matter the provocation, a statesmanly disposition from a person of Chief Obasanjo’s status could have encouraged our citizens and progress stability in the system.
We believe however, that what this country needs now is patriotic actions that engender national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence of our people irrespective of political, ethnic and religious persuasions. The overall interest of our nation and well being of our citizens must remain paramount and above all personal and group interests.
Finally, we direct all our members across the country to remain focused on our campaigns and not to be distracted on this issue. With an array of credible candidates led by our Presidential flagbearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, we are sure that we will emerge victorious come March 28 and April 11, 2015 general elections.
