DPP is Nigeria’s alternative, says Useini
From ATIKU S. SARKI, Abuja

THE National Chairman of Democratic People Party (DPP), Lt. General Jeremiah Useni (rtd) has said that, their party is the fastest-growing and the most credible alternative political platform in the country.
According to the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, before the dateline given to parties by INEC, DPP had submitted the names of 1,468 candidates wishing to contest various positions across the country.
Lt. General Useni (rtd) who stated this during a special meeting with the presidential candidate, the governorship candidates and state chairmen of the party on Tuesday in Abuja, further explained that, out of the total number of the candidates mentioned, 994 are for House of Assembly, 360 for the House of Representatives and 109 for Senatorial seats, as well as a presidential candidate.
The national chairman explained that, inspite of the usual teething problems and the deliberate attempt by their detractors to derail them, their party DPP still remains the only party for all Nigerians.
He said, the special meeting for their presidential and gubernatorial candidates, as well the state chairmen, was to bring them together to map out plans for the tasks ahead.
“As the flag bearers of our party for executive positions at the state and federal levels, we need your advice and input into our national campaign agenda and structure” he added.
The national chairman however called on the chairmen of the party, to know the enormity of the tasks ahead and the need for them to live up to their responsibilities.
He told them that, as chairmen of the party they must be up and doing because they received discouraging information from few states, saying, the national secretariat will respond to their needs based on their performance and commitment to the progress of their party.
“As chairmen, I expect you to implement party policies and guidelines as directed because all party policies are products of our collective deliberations and decisions”, he said.
Lt. General Useni also reminded all the party members on the importance of the on-going voters registration exercise to ensure that they are registered .
For the gubernatorial candidates he advised that, they should always work closely with the state chairmen for good understanding and harmony.
It was also noted that, the party has resolved to flag off its presidential campaign, which will begin on the 24th of this month in Kaduna state.
Other zonal presidential campaign will include South-South of Cross Rivers (Calabar) to kick-off on 6th Feb 2007, the South East in Enugu on 13th Feb, 2007, South West Oyo (Ibadan) 20th Feb.
He also said North central of Plateau (Jos) will begin on 28th Feb, 2007, the North East in Borno (Maiduguri) on 7th March 2007 and North West in Kano (Kano) 14th March 2007.
Other states to be covered are South-South in Delta, South East in Imo, South West in Ondo, North Central in Kwara and Niger, North West in Katsina and the North East in Bauchi and Adamawa.
Speaking at the meeting, the presidential candidate of the DPP and Sokoto state, Governor Attahiru Bafarawa believed that, by the special grace of God the DPP is going to win the forth-coming elections.
Alhaji Bafarawa called on party members, as well the entire Nigerians, to join hands and support his candidature believing that, when he becomes the president, he will move Nigeria to greater height.