NATIONAL Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Thursday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not failed in its 12 years in the saddle.

He said the PDP has fared well as the only party in the history of Nigeria to have sustained democracy.

Nwodo, who suddenly re-emerged at the Special National Convention venue in Abuja at about 5.56pm, made the submissions in his address to the delegates.

The re-emergence of Nwodo led to suspense with most delegates left bewildered.

Nwodo, who made an eloquent presentation, was silent on whether the court order restraining him as the National Chairman of the PDP had been vacated or not.

Looking unperturbed, Nwodo said: "This time around our party members have once more been given the opportunity to stay in their wards and constituencies and freely choose their representatives," We salute all of you who have done us proud and urge you all to partner with us in the days ahead.

This is the new face of PDP. This is the legacy we want to offer to our country.

"Today, we offer you three worthy Nigerians with vast political experiences. You are to choose one of them to be our flag bearer. As you discharge this all important responsibility, I pray you to do so with decorum, dignity and a high sense of patriotism to our party and the nation. We have made elaborate arrangements to make this process manifestly transparent, free and fair.

"While signing the voting Rights Bill on August 6, 1965, American President, Lyndon Baines Johnson noted that the ‘vote is the most power instrument ever devised by man breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.’

"I urge you to use your vote correctly to strengthen our party and democracy in our land.

"As we reposition our party for another round of victory in the April elections, we call on all our supporters nation wide to remain steadfast with us. We have great and better things to offer our great nation. These we will unfold as we hit the road in our campaigns shortly."

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