PDP: Communication lapse caused Atiku’s absence at peace meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is committed to a peaceful election despite the absence of its presidential candidate at the peace accord meeting held ahead of the 2019 elections.

The party also said “communication lapse” led to the absence of Atiku Abubakar at the meeting, and that it has commenced investigation into the “unfortunate” occurrence.

Atiku was not present at the event where presidential candidates signed a peace pact to stay committed to a peaceful election next year.

Paul Ibeh, his spokesman, told TheCable the PDP presidential candidate was not invited to the programme.

Reacting via a statement, the PDP said the party would visit the national peace committee– organisers of the programme — and fulfill all required obligations.

“Already, the party is conducting investigations into the circumstances that could have resulted to this unfortunate communication lapse,” the statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, the party spokesman, read.

“Nevertheless, it is instructive to state that our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the party are fully committed to a peaceful electoral process and elections in 2019.

“Our presidential candidate is known worldwide as a global ambassador of peace, who will always support processes that will engender peace in our country and the world over.

“In the same vein, our party is also known for peaceful conduct in all activities, electoral processes and all elections conducted at all levels in our country, since its inception in 1998.

“The PDP will therefore visit the office of the National Peace Committee, look into the peace document and fulfill all necessary obligations towards the peace accord ahead of the 2019 general elections.”