President Goodluck Jonathan has urged defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that are still foot-dragging over their decision to return to the ruling party to do so within the next few days or lose their privileges.
He gave the ultimatum at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo State during PDP’s sensitization/grand rally, organized by Imo PDP to welcome some of the state’s top politicians that returned to the party from other parties.
Those that defected back to PDP include a former governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, Senator Chris Anyawu, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief Lambert Iheanacho, and Hon. Independence Ogunewe.
Stressing that PDP is the only party that can lead Nigeria to greatness, Jonathan said that if the former members, who defected to other parties return within the window period he gave, they will be on equal footing with existing members and enjoy the same privileges otherwise, they will have to start from the scratch.
He assured the new returnees that there will be no discrimination against them in the PDP.
He said: “The message today is very clear and I believe some of my good friends are not here. They know where they are is not…we have opened the door for a few days. You join us these few days, the position you occupy is the position any other person will occupy. No discrimination”.
“But if you don’t come and come later, you will queue behind your ward assistant chairman.”
“So, the time to join us is now so that there will be nothing like discrimination in anything. The party is open for everybody. Equal rights and justice is guaranteed. We are party that believes in justice and so, we must also believe I equal rights.”
“For us, Imo state PDP has come together, everybody has equal rights; there is no discrimination. We call on all of you who are still watching that this is the best time to join us so that you can use the platform of PDP to express any interest you have”, He added
The president said the party was in Imo for a unity rally and not campaign and to celebrate the returnees.
He urged members of the party in the state to ensure the party remained united and stronger as it was in 1999.