Former Governor of Ogun State and frontline aspirant in National Chairman race of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has assured members he will set up reliable dispute reconciliation mechanisms to resolve all crises within the party, if he is elected.
Daniel stated this during his visit to Ilorin, Kwara State in continuation of his campaign for the top job.
He said: “Part of my job, if I become the chairman, is to resolve existing conflict and create amicable solutions.”
Daniel also promised to provide a feedback system from the grassroots to the top to feel the impulse of all and give a good sense of belonging.
He said: “We will settle disputes, put in place conflict resolution and reconciliatory mechanisms.
“Like what you have seen in Ilorin, we will sit down with the two factions and see how we can resolve it so that everyone has a sense of belonging.
“This kind of conflict means the PDP is strong because everybody wants to own the party, everyone wants to belong.
“So, it is actually strength and that is the way we should look at it.”
Daniel, who expressed the hope that the South West would trim down the number of aspirants for the position before the national convention, said the party in the region is still working hard to ensure a united voice at the December convention.
He said: “We are working very hard at it.
“You know in the South West, people are highly educated, and so when you see an avalanche of good personalities showing interest in the party, it is sign of good health.
“We will see if we can trim the number.
“We are working on it.”
Daniel described the fracas that was witnessed at the party’s secretariat in Ilorin as part of the indicators to the strength of the PDP.
He said now everyone wants to have a part of the party.
His words: “This party has become very strong and what we saw today is that there are two different competing factions in Kwara State.
“One claiming legitimacy about the ownership of the structure.
“We tried to see that at least there was no violence and we will still find a way of resolving the challenges between the two factions.
“I have no doubt in my mind that it would be resolved.”
The former governor said the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the party will usher in an avalanche of similar defections in the days ahead.
Daniel said: “You know, the PDP has become a bride.
“Everyone wants to become part and parcel of a winning party.
“I have no doubt that PDP is going to form the next government in Nigeria.
“So we are happy and we would look forward to receiving the former Vice President and I can assure you he is not going to be the only one.
“There is an avalanche of people who are waiting to get into the PDP.”
The former governor added that he was sure the PDP would form the next government at the national level as he promised to return the party to its winning ways.