Ahead of the nominations of the Peoples Democratic Party next month, a frontline Chieftain of the party, Chief Imikan Attah has reiterated the stand of the South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark who called for a level playing field for all aspirants in the succession process, adding that no aspirant will be unduly maligned in the electoral process.
Chief Imikan Attah stated that the directive by Chief Edwin Clark is in line with the policy statement of the National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, who restated the need for an open contest and stressed that there would be no be automatic ticket for any aspirant in the electoral process or any imposition of any sort.
Chief Imikan Attah described the South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark as a leader by example and an elder statesman who informed his state Governor, Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan not to adopt any candidate in the Delta State governorship race but to rather ensure that a level playing field is provided for all and that by extension, the directive holds sway in the South South region.
The party chieftain further stated that Akwa Ibom State has a high calibre of qualified aspirants “in my estimation, the people of the state should freely be given the opportunity to make a choice of a successor through a credible, transparent and well accepted electoral process in line with the directive of our leader, Chief Edwin Clark for a level playing field’’, Chief Imikan re-stated.
It will be recalled that in a related development, the National Working Committee of the PDP after an extensive meeting in Abuja last Thursday had warned elected state officers of the party engaging in processes aimed at endorsing candidates to stop such, stating that they should be unbiased umpires.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the National Secretary of the party, Prof. Adewale Oladipo stated that the NWC frowns at such undemocratic development and emphasised that the recent directive is a final warning to all elected party officials and chieftains at all levels, adding that sanctions await such erring officers or chapters.
The party further assured members of a level playing field in the nomination process devoid of cheating or victimization, adding further that its affairs will be conducted in line with the Constitution of the party and the Electoral Act.
Chief Imikan Attah expressed that democracy can only thrive when people are carried along, since they are pivotal in the growth and success of the government.
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