Ahead ofSaturday’snon-elective convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has called for a hitch-free convention that would further strengthen the party.

According to a statement signed by Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to the Senator, Mark in a goodwill message to delegates to the convention called for a peaceful outing.

Mark who expressed optimism about the future of the party after the convention however warned that the party could not afford to make another mistake.

The PDP just survived a protracted leadership tussle which lasted about two years and was only settled by the Supreme Court barely two months ago.

The Former President of the Senate David Mark is one of the PDP members who promised no stand with the party and remained steadfast throughout the period of the trial.

The said that having just survived the phase, he was impressed by the renewed enthusiasm and commitment of members towards rebuilding the party after the protracted leadership tussle.

Senator Mark therefore tasked the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led special convention committee not to leave any stone unturned to guarantee a hitch free exercise.

“We have come this far through a tortuous journey. We cannot afford to make another mistake that could affect the fortunes of the party in the days ahead.”

Sen. Mark recalled his earlier pledge never to dump the party after the PDP lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 election.

He restated: “Even if I will be the last man standing in the PDP, I will remain in PDP. I have no reasons whatsoever to leave the party.

“I have risen to where I am on the platform of the party. The PDP has a manifesto and I believe in it.

“Those who are decamping from PDP to APC are fair weather friends of the Party.

“So, the point I want to make is that I remain in PDP and I will work hard with other faithful members to bring it back.

“This is democracy; there will always be a winner and a loser in every election. Both parties must accept the outcome in a free and fair contest and move on.” (NAN)