AGAINST all predictions that consensus candidacy will reign at the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday, the ruling political grouping yesterday indicated that there would be contests among aspirants for the various offices.
Speaking while inaugurating the National Congresses and Convention Planning Committee (NCCPC) at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, said the committee should ensure that the delegates to the convention voted and the exercise made free and fair.
"You must ensure a free and fair election. We are trying to ensure the credibility of the process and you have to use your wealth of experience to make that happen. The eyes of the world will be focused on PDP. We started with the election of President Goodluck Jonathan, which is the freest election in this country. We don't have a choice but to have a free and fair election. All delegates must vote. We must go strictly by the provisions of our constitution," the chairman stated.
Baraje, apparently drawing from the controversial conventions of the party in the past, also tasked the committee to ensure reconciliation of the aspirants after the convention so that there would be peace and harmony among losers and winners.
"I urge you to ensure that PDP is further cemented after the convention. Delegates will come from different zones and you have to provide adequate security for them", he said.
In his response on behalf of the other 74 members of the committee, the chairman and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Madueke, assured that the committee, which is made up of eminent Nigerians, would deliver on mandate.
The committee with former Senate President Ken Nnamani as members has Dr. Akilu Ndabawa as secretary.
The Guardian