“With the 2011 general elections looming, the former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke has resigned from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, preparatory for the launch of his much rumoured presidential campaign on the platform of another party.
Citing among other reasons for the decision, Duke said the PDP had become “dysfunctional, unable to articulate a road map and lead Nigerians on a clear and concise path to national renewal.”
In his resignation letter dated April 29 and addressed to the Cross River State chairman of the party, Duke said: “When in 1998, we came together and forged a vehicle destined (as we thought at the time) to carry forward our beloved country’s hopes and dreams, there was a sense of being on the cusp of something that would endure. That has not proved to be the case.”
He regretted that PDP rather than building a robust and people-oriented party, “what has endured has been a lack of commitment to the purpose and focus of the founding fathers of the party and our country, which has emasculated the PDP.”
Duke continued: “Faithfulness and favour have been dissipated by a seamless stream of internecine factional warfare.”
He acknowledged that with his departure from the party, he would be leaving behind friends, “many with whom I shared sincerity of purpose but, regrettably, no longer share commonality of purpose.
“They shall in future be friends outside the party rather than friends within it, but always friends first. Our politics must be big enough for us to differ as we can cohabitate,” he added.
On his political future, Duke affirmed that he shall not fail to rise to the challenges and opportunities that the twenty-first century continues to hold for Nigeria.
“I shall always be mindful to speak the truth of our circumstances and our condition,” he said. Following Duke’s resignation from the PDP, the former governor has suddenly become a beautiful political bride with opposition parties including the Action Congress, Labour Party and the Mega Party Movement intensifying efforts and wooing him to join their respective parties. . .” Read more.
~Yemi Adebowale/ThisDay
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@ Isaac, LOL!
what a PITY!we as Nigerians generally don’t like anything good. Fancy letting a perverse system that we have created and contributed to, dictate and threaten our very existent and human right. My governor, your Excellency sir, we are with you one this one. WHERE YOU LEAD WE WILL GO!
Just as you built cross River State before you left, the DAY you would resume presidency, this country will change. yet some rats are still fighting to take that seat si that they can share carton of milk instead of building the country
You excellency, Mr. Donald Duke. I know when you make a move it is for vission for the Developement of this our dear Nation but people don’t seem to know your type of Being. +2348063066953