No special privilege for anybody in PDP, says Makarfi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is open to new to members, but there will not be special privilege for anybody, Ahmed Makarfi, its national chairman, has said.

Makarfi made the statement on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation of PDP rescue group, led by Wiberforce Juta, its chairman.

Makarfi pledged the party would create level-playing field for all its members.

“We are open to reconciling with everybody. We are open to accepting new entrants into the party, but no special privileges for anybody coming into the party,” he said.

“That is not an issue to be contemplated. No exclusivity. It will be inclusive without any special privilege to anybody or group of individuals.

“That is how the ruling party got it wrong. We should learn from that.

“What we need to do is that we will create level-playing field; and we don’t lord it over those who have slaved for the party.”

The chairman emphasised the need for the party to evolve mechanism for dedicated and loyal party men and women.

“If there is no such mechanism, people can question themselves; why do you have to continue exhibiting such loyalty and commitment to the party?” he asked.

“People can as well be nomadic politicians and migrate to where the pasture is green for whatever reasons.

“In some African countries, we didn’t hear of this kind of mobility, but in Nigeria, we are nomadic politicians.

“We have many nomadic politicians and they should behave well. They will be welcomed but I stand by what I have said earlier.”

Speaking earlier, Juta commended Makarfi for his magnanimity for extending a hand of fellowship to Ali Modu Sheriff and his followers.

“We hereby urge Sen. Sheriff and his supporters to positively respond to this gesture to avail themselves to the abundant opportunities that abound in the PDP,” he said.

“This is how it should be and we are thankful and proud to belong to this democratically civilized PDP family.”