Femi Fani-Kayode reacts to Dokpesi's claims that Goodluck Jonathan was a wrong presidential candidate

Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party national conference organizing committee, Chief Raymond Dokpesi in a media briefing held in Abuja recently claimed that fielding former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 and 2015 election was a huge mistake by the party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said making the ex-Nigerian leader the only presidential candidate of the party was not only responsible for their loss but it also caused disaffection amongst party chieftains from the North.

“There was impunity, imposition of candidates and breach of the zoning arrangement as well as lack of a level-playing field for members. Make no mistakes, the PDP is aware that there were errors made along the way. We admit that at certain times in our past, mistakes have been made. We did not meet the expectations of Nigerians. We tender our apology. But the past is exactly what it is. We call on all party faithful, supporters and sympathizers to partner with us going forward.

“You asked about the mistakes the party made. The Ekweremadu report is very explicit on that. It acknowledged the fact that the party made a lot of strides during the last 16 years. But also, there was no internal democracy; there was impunity within the party. There was no level-playing ground for members of the party.

“The zoning principles of the party were abandoned and a gamut of all other issues which will come up during the conference. And for all these and for the people who have been offended, for people whose toes were stepped upon, we tender unreserved apology.

“While we should not forget the past and its errors, we must look forward and begin to show true leadership within and outside our party.” The DAAR Communications founder said.

Reacting to the development, spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, Femi Fani-Kayode said “It was not a mistake for PDP to field Jonathan in the last election and neither is an apology for doing so appropiate or necessary.” The ex Aviation Minister affirmed.