Nobody Will Get Automatic Ticket – Nwodo; Condoles Oshiomhole Over Bereavement
ABUJA, Dec 09, (THEWILL) - Contrary to media reports that all legislators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be given automatic tickets for next year’s general election, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo today cleared the air saying there will be no automatic ticket for anybody in the Party for the forth coming general election.
Dr. Nwodo spoke in reaction to misleading headlines in some local dailies that he assured automatic ticket for federal lawmakers in the forthcoming general election.
A statement from his media aide, Mr. Ike Abonyi said that the National Chairman frowns at such misleading headlines as it is capable of sending wrong signal to numerous party faithfuls who are aspiring for various positions and have shown some commitment by purchasing the nomination form.
The statement said that even women aspirants who had requested for automatic ticket did not get it from the National Chairman who only assured them that the NWC is thinking of pushing through the NEC of the Party for some monetary support for those of them who will pick the ticket of the Party.
The media aide however said that the National Chairman told the women aspirants that the Party for continuity, would wish that as many members of parliament who are performing and who are acceptable in their constituencies to come back. He did not at any time in the course of his speech to the gathering of the PDP women aspirants say that the Party was granting automatic ticket to anybody.
Dr. Nwodo noted that his reform policy for the Party has helped to engender confidence of members and has led to a record breaking number of aspirants across the country picking the nomination form pointing out that he could not have turned round to disfranchise and stud the aspiration of these members.
He has therefore urged members especially aspirants to various offices to disregard the publication and intensify their campaign.
Nwodo reiterated the position of the NWC that the Party leadership under his watch will do nothing less than guarantee internal democracy and level playing ground for all aspirants stressing that it is the only way to deepen our democracy and ensure continuous harmony in the Party. Meanwhile, Nwodo has described the late wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Clara Adams Oshiomhole as a devoted housewife and leader who stood by the husband all through his career.
In a condolence letter to the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Dr Nwodo said that he received the news of the death with deep regret and prayed God to grant her gentle soul eternal rest.
He said that Mrs. Oshiomhole will be remembered for improving the health care system in Edo State through her pet project, the Health Foundation for Maternal and Child Care.