There was panic in the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Sunday as President Goodluck Jonathan met with the national leadership of the party behind closed doors.
The panic was said to have come as a result of the gale of defection rocking the party across the country.
The other reason was what a member of the National Working Committee of the party described as the “lacklustre response we have been getting since the beginning of the ongoing presidential campaign.”
The meeting was held at the PDP Presidential Campaign Office, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.
Journalists were barred from the meeting which was described as a “family affair.”
It was also learnt that the President and the party leaders were not comfortable with the support the opposition, All Progressives Congress was getting across the country, especially from those leaving the ruling party.
The meeting, it was learnt, examined the circumstances that led to the defection of some members of the party in Plateau State, led by a former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Pauline Tallen and many others to the APC.
One of those who attended the meeting told our correspondent in Abuja that, “You know that we have usually taken each presidential election as a done deal since 1999.
“But now, things have changed. With what we have seen so far from the tours of the southern part of country, we need to work harder to win.”
It was also learnt that the meeting discussed the release of funds to some departments in the campaign organisation, an action which was said to have made many of them inactive.
Meanwhile, as the campaign train of the party move to the northern part of the country on Monday (today), the PDP has said it will win the February 14 presidential election.
A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Sunday, said that the party was well received in the zone.
He said, “As you are aware, in the last two weeks, the PDP presidential campaign train has visited states in the South-West and South -East geo-political zones of our great country.
“The PDP deeply appreciates Nigerians for their support, goodwill and prayers for our dear President and standard-bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Source: Punch
