SAN FRANCISCO, November 12, (THEWILL) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday in Abuja resolved to implement the recommendations of the Ike Ekeremadu- led Post Election Review Committee, especially in the areas of internal democracy and the party’s restructuring.
The party arrived at the decision after taking stock of its performance at the 2015 Presidential and general elections as it reflected on its future with a view to providing better options for the Nigerian electorate.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its national conference , the party resolved that, in order to sustain the ideals it has set for itself in the face of what it described as the diminishing quality of democratic governance, the party at all levels shall continue to ensure credible, robust and issue-based opposition, while promoting harmonious relationship among all people and ensuring that citizens’ confidence in democracy does not wane.
Rising from the national conference which was attended by the party’s leadership, the party called for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the PDP Post Election Review Committee Report, especially those relating to zoning, internal democracy, e-registration and the restructuring of the party at all levels with a view to giving the Party back to the rightful owners – the people.
The conference also condemned in strongest terms what it termed as the growing authoritarianism of the APC-led Federal Government which, according to it, has been characterised by gross violation of human rights, constitutional infractions, invasion of a governor’s lodge and private homes, deliberate interference and instigation of crisis in the legislature, arm-twisting of the judiciary, undermining of democratic institutions like INEC, nepotism in appointments, abuse of power and clamp down on opposition elements.
While noting the sudden decline in the economy and quality of life of Nigerians, occasioned by what it described as the lack of direction of the APC government, in addition to the growing tension and rancour in the polity as direct consequences of the divisive tendencies of the present administration, the PDP denounced what it alleged as the prevailing selective application in the fight against corruption targeted at opposition elements and perceived opponents of the regime, while, according to it, APC members with corruption charges are being rewarded with ministerial positions and other juicy appointments as well as APC tickets in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
The PDP also rejected what it described as the current manipulation of the judiciary and security forces by the APC-led Federal Government in its desperate bid to subvert the sovereign will of the people and forcefully take over states genuinely won by the PDP in the last general elections and ultimately impose a one-party state in Nigeria.
It however charged the new INEC leadership to assert the independence of the electoral body, resist all external influences and ensure free, fair and credible electoral process in Kogi and Bayelsa states and other future elections, warning that the PDP will not accept any results that do not reflect the true wishes and aspirations of the people, particularly in Kogi and Bayelsa States.
