PDP Insists On October Deadline For Sale Of Nomination Forms

…Restricts Party Officials On Endorsement Of Aspirants

SAN FRANCISCO, October 02, (THEWILL) - The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday insisted that no nomination form for aspirants for various positions on its platform would be sold after the October 30 deadline.

A statement issued by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said: “Following the release of our detailed guidelines for congresses and primaries for the 2015 general elections, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to inform all aspirants for various positions on its platform that the closing date for the sale of party nomination forms is October 30, 2014.”

The statement advised all aspirants to adhere strictly to the directive, saying the party would not extend the sales beyond this date.

It also urged all aspirants to carefully study the guidelines and the party's code of conduct for elections and ensure that they conduct their campaigns accordingly .

The statement also warned that the party shall not condone any aberration or abuse of its internal electoral process.

'In the same vein, the NWC has noted the activities of some persons and groups supporting some aspirants for the 2015 general election at the state level. Whilst the party cannot stop individuals, groups or communities from endorsing persons of their choice, the national leadership wishes to restate in the strongest possible terms that elected party officials at the state, local government and ward levels must not be involved in such, as they must remain as unbiased umpires in the nomination process.

'For the avoidance of doubt, only the National Executive Committee (NEC), as an organ of the party can officially endorse a candidate under the PDP constitution.

'All party officials at all levels are expected to be guided by this,' the statement added.