By Bartholomew Madukwe

Leading contestant to the national chairmanship of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George, has appealed to elders and other stakeholders of the party not to allow the election set the South-South and the South-West zones against each other.

Bode George

He made the appeal while addressing party stakeholders at PDP state secretariat in Calabar, Cross River State, Tuesday, in continuation of his nationwide campaign tour.

He said the decision of PDP leadership to throw the chairmanship and deputy chairmanship elections open to all comers from the two zones was like pitching brothers against one another other.

He added that the situation could have been avoided by encouraging dialogue and negotiation to arrive at a mutually-beneficial decision on where each of the positions should go, without rancour.

He said the people of the South-West and South-South zones had always worked together for the good of the country, adding that this election should not be allowed to divide them.

Responding, the state chairman of the party, Chief Ntufam Inok, commended George for his unflinching loyalty and support for the party during its crisis.

He noted that some aspirants had visited the state, stressing that it was only George, who came to the party secretariat to meet with the people.