From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
Hon. Essien Ayi
A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Essien Ayi, says that in spite of current challenges within its rank the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains for now “the best political party’’ in Nigeria.
Ayi, representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South, who stated this in an interactive session with journalist in Calabar Sunday, said there was no need for him to decamp to any other political party.
He, however, appealed to the party’s hierarchy in states and national levels to avoid imposition of unpopular candidates in the forthcoming elections to avoid further depletion of PDP ranks.
He said that as a founding member of the PDP he would not for now not dump the party and decamp to the opposing All Progressive Congress (APC) as is being rumoured in Cross River.
“My attention has been drawn to some text messages making the rounds in Cross River state o the effect that I have concluded arrangements to dump the ruling PDP.
“I remain a founding member of the PDP in the state. I have not decided to decamp to the opposition ALL Progressive Congress with my teeming supporters and loyalists.
“To the best of my knowledge, this rumour and the accompanying text messages are the handiwork of some political desperados and unscrupulous elements that will stop at nothing to achieve their selfish aim.
“Let me restate for the purpose of posterity that I remain a pillar of strength for the PDP both in the states and the country at large.
“Over the years I have been consistent in my commitment to the party which I, along with a few others laboured to nurture from the cradle,’’ Ayi said.
He also urged his supporters to discountenance “the said text messages wicked rumour and to keep faith with the PDP which has faithfully delivered the democratic dividends in the state since 199 till date’’.
Ayi said: “I must re-emphasize that I have never conceived nor considered the option of leaving the PDP and will never be associated with such. PDP remains the party for Cross River and the best option for us al.
He also urged party faithful to rally behind Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, the new National Chairman of the party, because “he is not somebody who is power drunk’’.
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