2015: Remain unbiased in nomination process,PDP warns officials

By Lawrence Olaoye

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned its officials at the state and local government levels against partisanship in the ongoing nomination process in the party ahead of the 2015 general elections.

This is just as the party issued a strong warning to all such aides to the party officials to forthwith desist from making comments to explain the actions of the party or its official position on any matter whatsoever.

The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated that “the NWC has noted the activities of some persons and groups supporting some aspirants for the 2015 general election at the state level.

“Whilst the party cannot stop individuals, groups or communities from endorsing persons of their choice, the national leadership wishes to restate, in the strongest possible terms, that elected party officials at the state, local government and ward levels must not be involved in such, as they must remain as unbiased umpires in the nomination process.

For the avoidance of doubt, only the National Executive Committee (NEC), as an organ of the party can officially endorse a candidate under the PDP constitution. All party officials at all levels are expected to be guided by this.”

The party also stressed that the October 30th date for the closure for the sale of nomination forms of the party would not be extended urging aspirants to work within the time frame released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All aspirants are therefore advised to adhere strictly to this directive as the party shall not extend the sales beyond this date.

The NWC urges all aspirants to carefully study the guidelines and party’s code of conduct for elections and ensure that they conduct their campaigns accordingly as the PDP shall not condone any aberration or abuse of its internal electoral process,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of the PDP said it has noted the rush with which certain aides of elected officials make comments relating to the administration of the party and its official position on issues.

He stated that “This is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated as it is capable of conveying wrong messages regarding the position of the party especially on nomination issues.

“Consequently, the PDP hereby issues a strong warning to all such aides to forthwith desist from making comments to explain the actions of the party or its official position on any matter whatsoever.