Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar

Why PDP is in crisis, by Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in crisis because its leadership has been acting contrary to the constitution.

The former Vice President said it was important for any worthy party to follow the constitution and due process to avoid illegality and absurdity.

Abubakar, who is on tour of the six geo-political zones for consultations, is expected to make a statement on his political future and 2015 elections next month.

He addressed reporters yesterday in Lagos on the national drift and the management of the party system.

The Adamawa-born politician noted that there were contradictions in the ruling party, stressing that internal democracy had been jettisoned.

He said the important thing was not whether or not he harboured a presidential ambition, but the resolution of the crises foisted on the country by the government.

Abubakar said: “The parties are in crises. The process of nomination of candidates should be guided by the constitution. That was why I refused to take the presidential ticket of the defunct Action Congress (AC), until the primaries were held.”

The former Vice President acknowledged that only a proper alliance, backed by a strong will and commitment, could change the status quo.

He refrained from making comments on the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he described as “a new experience.”

The politician said the party had the chance of winning next year’s elections, if the people were united.

He said the opposition was important in a democracy, adding that “power must change so that there will be basis for comparison between parties.”