Chairman of the Special National Convention Planning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed confidence that the Convention of the party, which will lead to the emergence of its presidential candidate, will cement the bond that exists in the party and position it for victory in the 2019 general elections.

Governor Okowa made the disclosure on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with members of the Convention Planning Committee at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja.

According to him, “We had a fruitful deliberations, our desire is to take steps to further unite our party, be fair to all in such a way that we will inspire the confidence of stakeholders and party faithful.”

“We are aware of the fact that the task of rebuilding our party is an onerous one and the decisions and actions we take as a committee occupies a very central position in the desire of our party to demonstrate to Nigerians that we are repositioned to turn things around for the overall good of Nigerians,” he added.

The Governor continued: “Last night, I and the leadership of the party met with a good number of the Presidential aspirants with a view to listening to them and securing their buy-in on how best we can be on the same page in our desire to carry everybody along ahead of the Convention.”

He further explained that the essence of the closed door meeting with members of the planning committee was to secure the understanding of all on the need to organise a free, fair and very credible convention that will produce the Presidential party flag bearer.

“As Chairman, I am convinced that members of our party understand that Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to get it right and reposition the country’s economy,” he added.

While calling for the support of all party members, Governor Okowa said the credibility of members of the Convention Planning Committee will make the task a lot easier.

•Photo by Jibunor Samuel shows Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (right) and National Secretary of PDP, Senator Ibrahim Tsauri, shortly before going into a closed-door meeting with the 2018 PDP Special National Convention Committee Members, at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.