The Peoples Democratic Party national convention Screening Committee has barred three aspirants from attending the on October 30 and 31.
The Chairman of the Convention Committee, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, revealed this on Thursday during the unveiling of the party’s national convention logo and promotional materials in Abuja.
Mohammed Adoke, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice led the committee.
Mr. Fintiri stated that the screening committee had completed its work and submitted its report to the organizing committee on Thursday afternoon.
He stated that 31 candidates expressed interest in various national positions in the party, of which 27 were cleared, one was withdrawn, and three were disqualified.
He named the candidates who were disqualified as Wale Oladipo, Okey Muo-Aroh, and Eddy Olafeso
Mr. Oladipo was running for deputy national chairman (south), while Messrs Muo-Aroh and Olafeso were vying for national secretary and national publicity secretary, respectively.
“All of these candidates have been disqualified because they went to court against the party.”
“So, if you have taken the party to court without exhausting the internal mechanism of settling whatever grievances you have and you try to stop the convention.”
“The committee felt you couldn’t enjoy the convention as well.”
Furthermore, Section 51 sub 1L of our party constitution clearly states that you must exhaust all internal mechanisms in the party.”
Our great party’s constitution also states that if you have not exhausted Section 58 (1L), you can be punished under Section 59. (1e).
So, as you can see, the screening committee has done its job.
“In order for us to survive, you must be disciplined in the party.”
“I believe we need to move away from the past as we try to write a new chapter for the party,” Mr. Fintiri said
He stated that if any of the disqualified candidates had a reason to disagree with their disqualification, they could appear before the appeal committee on Friday.
Mr. Fintiri stated that such a person could be considered depending on the reason they may present.
He praised the committee for its work in paving the way for the PDP to move forward.
“I can assure you that on October 30 and 31, we will have one of the most open, transparent, and democratic conventions in this country’s recent history,” he said.
Regarding the number of delegates, Mr. Fintiri stated that approximately 4,000 delegates were expected.
He stated that, despite the fact that the list was the subject of litigation, efforts were being made to clear it.
He emphasized the importance of the party bringing its best to the convention in order to steer the affairs of the PDP with their skills, experience, and integrity.
“We need to bring people of high integrity to run the party and guide us to victory in the 2023 general elections, especially the president,” he said.
Mr. Fintiri urged committee members to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure the convention’s success.
Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, stated in his remarks that the 2021 national convention committee, led by Mr. Fintiri, was ready to hold a convention that would lead the PDP to victory in the 2023 general elections.
Mr. Ologbondiyan, who is also the Secretary of the National Convention Publicity Sub-Committee, stated that the PDP’s national convention provides an opportunity for Nigerians to unite and support the party in 2023.
