Despite cries of “use and dump”, Ekweremadu refuses to quit PDP
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has reassured his supporters that he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has no plans of leaving the party.
Ekweremadu took the latest decision despite complaints particularly from his camp that he has been sidelined in the decision making of the party.
He was particularly said to have been rendered irrelevant as he was not consulted while the Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was taking decision concerning who becomes his running mate, which turned out to be Dr. Peter Obi.
In a statement on his Facebook page, @iamekweremadu, on Wednesday, the Senator wrote: “I am presently out of the country on a pre-scheduled engagement.
“In the past 24 hours, I have been inundated with calls from friends and political associates seeking clarification on the rumours of my departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has dominated the media.
“Let it be known that my path in politics is in the hands of the Almighty God, who has indeed been very faithful and gracious to me. I’m very grateful to God for this.
“My vision in politics is a system that works for everybody; a social and political environment where everybody, every section, and every tribe not only counts, but is also seen to count.
“As leaders, we must be mindful of this, for any system built on anything less will not endure.
“I am grateful to you – members of my family, my friends, political associates, and admirers across Nigeria and beyond – for your uncommon concern. I am indeed humbled by your kind words of solidarity and support.
“Please, rest assured that I am still in the PDP”.
There were reports of pressure on the Senator by his political associates to dump the PDP over perceived disrespect to his person and his alienation in critical issues concerning the PDP, which they believe he contributed so much to its survival after the 2015 electoral defeat.
They cite his non-inclusion or involvement in the constitution of the Presidential Campaign Council and other issues concerning the party.
