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The Patriotic
Electoral Alliance of Nigeria, PEAN, an alliance of thirty-five
political parties, has adopted Rasheed Shita-Bey, a second republic
legislator and national chairman of the Mega Progressive Peoples Party,
as its chairman.

The adoption took
place at the stakeholders’ meeting of the alliance, which took place in
Abuja yesterday. Mr. Shita-Bey leads a national committee of the
alliance, which is expected to provide a formidable platform for the
2011 general elections.

Other members of
the national committee included Shitu Mohammed, of the Republican
Party, who was adopted as the vice chairman, and Sam Onimisi of the
Democratic People’s Alliance, who occupies the position of secretary.

Mr. Shitta-Bey
thanked his counterparts in other political parties for the trust
reposed in him to lead the alliance, and solicited for their support.

“I have no new
dream to set forth today, but rather urge a fresh faith in the old
dream of the founding fathers of Nigeria project, Chief Obafemi
Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Sir Tafawa Balewa.
among others,” Mr. Shitta-Bey said.

“You have given me
a great responsibility to stay close to you all and to exemplify what
we stand for. l believe that your strength can compensate for my
weakness and your wisdom can help to minimise my mistakes, so that
together, we can forge ahead for the betterment of our nation Nigeria,”
he added.

Progressive ideals

He said he is
convinced that the “progressive ideals” that have remained elusive to
Nigerians are achievable if all progressive politicians unite under one
platform.

“Our strength is
based on the nobility of ideas and commitment to fulfil the good
ideals. I, therefore, urge all other people with common interest and
progressive principles to join us, without delay, as all plans have
been concluded for a successful campaign,” he said.

The national chairmen of 22 political parties were present at the meeting.