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The Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports that it has endorsed the candidature of Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili as its presidential candidate in the 2007 election.
The Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports that it has endorsed the candidature of Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili as its presidential candidate in the 2007 election.
The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Muiyawa Umaru Kugama, who was reacting to media reports which quoted him as saying that the PDP in Adamawa has adopted Odili for the 2007 presidential election, said at a press briefing in Yola Wednesday that the report was not true.
The party said it could not have endorsed Odili when it is yet to make such open declaration for leading presidential aspirants like Dr Buba Marwa from the state.
The party's statement read in parts: 'If you will recall a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Peter Odili recently paid a visit to Adamawa State. The PDP in Adamawa organised a reception for him in line with the tradition of African hospitality and brotherhood at the Lelewal Hotel.
'However, news report on the interaction has indicated that Adamawa PDP has adopted, Dr Peter Odili. The statement was incidentally credited to me as chairman of Adamawa PDP, we make bold to say that nothing can be father from the truth.
'Even at the national level of our party, we are expected to provide a level playing field for all our presidential aspirants.
'The statement which has been misinterpreted by the press may have been the statement that we are one hundred percent behind Dr Odili. This statement does not mean adoption of Dr Peter Odili.
'Those who are vast in English language will know better. Like every other aspirants, Adamawa PDP, like all the PDP members nationwide is fully in support of legitimate right of all aspirants to pursue their constitutionally guaranteed aspirations.
'Having realised this, we cannot be seen at this moment to be partial not even in favour of Dr Peter Odili when we have our sons in the persons of Dr Buba Marwa and Col Andrawus Sanva (rtd) vying for the same office.
'These our sons are dear to our hearts, so also are all those aspiring for the nation's number one seat. We shall continue to provide a level playing field for all the aspirants in line with the directives of the national secretariat of our party."