Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has warned opposition party leaders and faithful against imposition of candidates in the forthcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Mark who said this in a statementon Mondaythrough his Aide, Mr. Paul Mumeh, recalled that the defeat of the party in the last general elections was on account of imposition of candidates and impunity.

The statement also stressed that it is incumbent on leaders and members to allow the popular will of the people prevail at the congresses and convention.

Mark, however, urged members of the party to remain steadfast with the PDP while frowning at whimsical carpet-crossing, saying that such behaviour neither enhance the sustenance of democratic culture nor the integrity or credibility of politicians who decamp.

He stated: “If we must uphold the sanctity of democratic culture, we must follow the path of honour like the Democrats and Republicans in the United States of America or the Labour Party or the Conservatives in the United Kingdom who hold on tenaciously to their political ideologies no matter the odds.”

Mark restated that no matter the challenges, he will not leave the PDP, a platform he said has afforded him the opportunity to contest and win elections since 1999 even as he reminded party faithful to work hard in the days ahead as credible opposition and overcome the challenges.

•Photo shows Senator Mark.