Ex-Gov Donald Duke Speaks On Return To PDP, Addresses Ben Ayade’s Defection
The former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke has officially spoken on his return to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Duke who took a break from the PDP for a couple of years served as governor of the South-South state between 1999 and 2007.
In a writeup titled “MY STATEMENT OF RETURN TO PDP” today May 26, 2021, the politician who described the recent defection of incumbent governor Ben Ayade to the ruling party – All Progressives Congress (APC) – as unfortunate insisted he reunited with the party almost a year ago.
The statement which briefly addressed what responsible for Governor Ayade’s movement to the APC reads…
Dear Friends, a lot is being said about my return to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Truth is, I reunited with the party almost a year ago now, but in spirit never left the ideals for which the party was founded upon. It is rather unfortunate that Governor Ben Ayade who constantly egged me to rejoin the party has himself had cause to leave. A rather unfortunate decision for which I neither support nor condemn, as I’m not privy to the details except his complaints of being stifled and unappreciated by the leadership of the party and certain elements of Cross River State origin at Abuja.
In our early to mid thirties buoyed by optimism and faith in our State and Nation, we took a plunge into the unknown world of politics. Providence smiled at us and thrust us into the limelight and leadership of national politics. In Cross River State we took on the establishment and won a razor thin victory in 1999, but through firm and adroit leadership and adherence to the democratic principles of inclusion we soon brought largely all the political class in the state under the PDP and by 2007, we were perhaps the most PDP state in Nigeria.
However, post 2007, the party’s fortune started ebbing. An autocratic leadership style emerged, communication with its followers declined and emergence in the party was determined largely not by the party constitution or structures but by the whims of the States Chief Executive.
This is the structure Gov Ayade inherited and has largely led us to where we are today. The very top down political style we fought against prior 1999, instead of consultation, accommodation and inclusion reared its head to the extent that founding members of the party in the state including former state chairmen, senators, members of the National Assembly and I, over time opted out and this attrition has continued unabated to the extent that the Governor himself has left to seek pasture elsewhere.
I believe it is important that we provide the same opportunities that democratic inclusion afforded us in our youth to other young people as they prepare to takeover the mantle of leadership.
It is my hope that we all have learnt the lessons of the past couple of years. Our nation begs for sincere and committed leadership. We can and must do better. There is no room nor time for egoistic pandering but selfless service and this, is what the times deserves. Thank you and may God Bless our state and nation.
Donald Duke
