PDP Presidential Aspirants: Party Affirms No Screening For Now

“And I’m sure one day the party may decide to go back to direct election. But I think now, a decision has been taken by the party to do an indirect election.- Kwankwaso

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has explained why it has yet to constitute a panel that will screen its presidential aspirants.

Apart from the presidential aspirants, the party has also yet to name the panel that will look into the credentials of other aspirants.

“The party has said that it will be transparent and we will abide by that. So, we have nothing to fear or worry about.”

According to the revised timetable of the party, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday, the screening of the presidential aspirants will hold on September 12.

It also said that the screening of the governorship aspirants would hold on September 11 while that of the National Assembly would hold two days earlier.

It said those aspiring for state Houses of Assembly would have their turn on September 7, while those who want to be members of the three-man Adhoc committee would be on September 8.

According to the timetable signed by the National Organising Secretary of the party, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd.), screening for local government congresses for national delegates will hold September 11.

Meanwhile, Kwankwaso has said that he is in support of using indirect primaries by the party.

The former governor said that though he was elected as a governor of Kano State, he would still align himself with the position taken by the leadership of the party on the matter.

He told reporters in Abuja on Sunday that the party was experienced enough to handle the matter.

He said, “Well, I think parties should look out their situation. The situation of PDP is such that we have gone through all the processes.

“And we are experienced enough to select the best system for the party. Some of you may still remember that in 1999 when I was elected as governor, the PDP then elected their candidates through direct primaries.

“And from that experience, we sat down here in this secretariat and thought there was a need for us to review it. And that was why in 2003, and since then, we are doing indirect elections.

“And I’m sure one day the party may decide to go back to direct election. But I think now, a decision has been taken by the party to do an indirect election.

“And we are all abiding by the position of the party. So, I think now, it is beyond my opinion or your opinion. The party has taken a position.”