By Daniel Idonor

ABUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, urged Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that it parades credible candidates if it must win next year’s elections.

He said the party should work harder by ensuring that only credible candidates emerge from its primaries so as to win convincingly in the 2011 general election.

President Jonathan spoke at a meeting with PDP stakeholders from Kano State, saying PDP remains the party to beat if it remains united.

He said he was fully convinced that with its undisputed status as the biggest party in Nigeria, nothing could stand in the way of a convincing PDP victory in the elections if all its members set aside current differences and unite to work for its success.

Commends Kano PDP
He commended the leadership and members of Kano State PDP for overcoming recent internal crises and chosing to work together for victory in the elections.

President Jonathan said: “I am glad that you are coming together. It is our intention that every vote must count in the next elections and as long as we are more, we should win. But we must work very hard, and present credible candidates who will win clearly and legitimately.”

The stakeholders were led by former Kano State Governor, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso.
On developmental issues raised by the stakeholders, President Jonathan said the Federal Government was already taking action to complete irrigation projects in Kano State which were abandoned under previous administrations.

Promises on
Tiga, Challawa dams

The President said the Federal Government will also consider the feasibility of installing turbines at the Tiga and Challawa Dams to boost electricity supply to Kano, especially its industrial estates.
State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Faruq Iya, and former Kano State Deputy Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, pledged the “unflinching support and loyalty” of Kano State PDP to President Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo.

They said the party was grateful for projects which had been initiated in the state by the Federal Government and affirmed their commitment to working diligently for a PDP victory in Kano in next year’s elections.