I have heard whispers from different political arenas that one
of the rationales for the rebranding of PDP was to prepare me for future
elections in 2019. How ridiculous! God’s willing; by 2019 I will be 78 years
old. If I called it quits in 2011, why would PDP contemplate fielding a 78
years old man in a presidential election in a country that parades very vibrant
men and women of lesser age?
I have no intention whatsoever to run for any office again in Nigeria
I wish to make some clarifications concerning the invitation
extended to me on the scheduled PDP Rebranding Conference slated for Thursday,
12 November, 2015, aimed at repositioning the party after its poor outing at
the last elections. While I welcome the invitation to the event as a mark of
respect as one of the founding fathers, I want to be excused on the grounds
that I have long bid bye to partisan politics.
Four years ago at an elaborate event at the Transcorp Hilton
Hotels Abuja, I announced my retirement from partisan politics after my failed
attempt to contest for President and having attained the gracious age of 70, in a society where life
expectancy stands at a ridiculous 47 years. In appreciating what Allah has done
for me in life, seeing me through many challenges, stabilizing me during
periods of tribulations, and safeguarding me through the thick and thin of
political risks, I did state at that event that Journalists would not push me
around again.
Attaining the age of 70 in 2011 was to me a great
accomplishment for which I remain eternally grateful to Almighty Allah and my
family who have shown tremendous support and encouragement throughout my
political trajectory. Since 2011 till date, I have been playing my role as an
elder statesman and “consultant-in-chief” to political office seekers and other
like-minds who want my input in their aspirations. At 74, I feel a deep sense
of fulfillment in my new role as non-partisan elder statesman and a patriot;
available to all categories of persons without the burgeoning label of any
political party or affiliation. I have many friends and associates in the two
dominant political parties; APC and PDP, and numerous other smaller political
parties. At this stage of my political journey, I want to be able to interact
and socialize with them without being branded “anti-party”.
It is on the score of this that I have elected to turn down this
request to participate in the rebranding conference of the PDP in a partisan
manner. My fulfilment in life is further bolstered by the emerging scenario
that is evident in our present political reality. First, the idea of a
two-party system which has always been my desire; and the stack reality that,
incumbents can be defeated at various levels of election as a function of
growing awareness and consciousness on the part of the electorate. These to me,
present interesting dimensions in our political evolution as a country
grappling with so many challenges.
I have heard whispers from different political arenas that one
of the rationales for the rebranding of PDP was to prepare me for future
elections in 2019. How ridiculous? God’s willing; by 2019 I will be 78 years
old. If I called it quit in 2011, why would PDP contemplate fielding a 78 years
old man in a presidential election in a country that parades very vibrant men
and women of lesser age? I have no intention whatsoever to run for any office
again in Nigeria
I will consistently pray
to Almighty Allah to grant me good health and sound mind to watch my dearest
beloved country grow from strength to strength during my lifetime and beyond.
While I wish PDP the best of luck in its desire to rebrand for
future electoral challenges, I wish Nigeria
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