National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, has appealed to the faithful not to be demoralized by the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in last Saturday’s election, and vote for all their governorship candidates on April 11 election..

In a statement he personally signed, the former Bauchi State governor said the national leadership will challenge the results of the election while calling on its supporters not to be downcast. He also commended President Jonathan for conceding defeat.

Muazu’s statement reads in part:

“As you are aware, in the early hours of Wednesday, April 1,2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returned the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, as winner of the 2015 presidential election.

“However, we have received reports of serious irregularities that characterized the conduct of the election and we shall channel our protests to the appropriate quarters in line with our profound respect for the Rule of Law and democratic ethos.Our party comes with great values and tradition and we will adhere to them and ensure that nothing is done to truncate our democracy, which we have proudly worked so hard to nurture and sustain to maturity.

“Therefore, if the outcome of the election is truly the reflection of the wishes and aspirations of our citizens, the PDP will most willingly respect that wish.What is paramount to us is the survival of our democracy, the unity, peace and progress of our dear nation and the happiness of all our people.

“Nigeria is bigger than any political party, individual or group and her overall interest must be our priority at all times.It is in this light that we as a party commend our flagbearer, President Goodluck Jonathan for his heroic act in conceding to the voice of the people, an action that stands him out as a true democrat and a statesman.

“We also congratulate the APC flagbearer, General Muhammadu Buhari for his resilience and victory in thiselection while wishing him success in the onerous task of leading our nation once again.On the same note, we wish to also commend the electorate for the peaceful manner with which they conducted themselves in the course of this election.

“For us in the PDP, we want to state in very clear terms that we are not down. We are only at our redefining moment. Rather than demoralize us, this election has afforded us great lessons and we are now more than ever before re-invigorated for the race ahead.As we return to the electorate for the April 11, 2015 governorship and state Assembly elections, we go recharged with faith in our heart.

“We assure all our candidates in the remaining elections that the party will stand with you, campaign with you and work vigorouslyto ensure your total victory at the polls.

“Finally, we call on our party faithful to remain steadfast in our renewed effort to deliver our flagbearers in the remaining elections,” Mu’azu said.

•Adapted from Daily Sun. Photo shows Muazu.