President Goodluck Jonathan has urged defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that wants to return to the party to do so within the next few days or loose their privileges.
He gave the deadline at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo State during PDP’s Sensitization rally where former governor of Imo State Chief Achike Udenwa and a number of former party members were received back to the party.
Others persons that returned to the party on Saturday included Senator Chris Anyawu, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Mike Ahamba, 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 period, they will be on equal pedestal with existing members and enjoy the same privileges otherwise, they will have to be on the queue.
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
Claiming that the occasion was not a campaign rally, he said that there will be no democracy in Nigeria without the PDP and that it is the only party that can guarantee equal rights and justice as well as a level-playing field for all members.