PDP NEC kills zoning, throws presidential race open, confirms WesternPost exclusive story
The National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown open the 2023 presidential election, deciding not to zone the office.
The decision was taken at the 98th NEC meeting held on Wednesday.
In a communique issue at the end of the meeting which was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the NEC accepted the recommendation of the zoning committee chaired by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
This confirms WesternPost’s exclusive story that the Ortom-led committee had killed zoning, throwing open the 2023 presidential election.
The NEC also agreed to work towards reaching a consensus for the presidential election where possible, while also ratifying the dates for the primary election.
“After a very extensive deliberation NEC aligned with the recommendation of the PDP National Zoning Committee that the presidential election should now be left open. The party should also work towards consensus candidate where possible.
“NEC noted the recommendation of the Zoning Committee that in the interest of justice and fair play, the party should take decision on zoning timeously so as to prevent complications to the process.
“NEC ratified the conduct of the presidential primary (Special National Convention) to elect our party’s presidential candidate on Saturday May 28 to Sunday May 29, 2022 in Abuja
“NEC approved the setting up of the National Convention Organizing Committee and approved the appointment of His Excellency, Senator David Mark as Chairman, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as Deputy Chairman and His Excellency Barr. Ibrahim Shema as Secretary.
“NEC assured of free, fair, credible and transparent processes for the emergence of our Party’s Candidates for all elective positions in the 2023 general elections,” the communique said.
The opposition party also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate All Progressives Congress (APC) members who purchased the N100million presidential forms, while also calling for the arrest and prosecution of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
“NEC condemned in very strong terms the mass looting of our national treasury and diversion of public funds through orchestrated purchase of APC Presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms by all manner of persons at excessive N100 million to warehouse slush funds for APC to rig the 2023 general elections. We restate our demand to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate all APC presidential aspirants in this regard.
“NEC restated the call by the party for the immediate resignation, arrest and prosecution of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, for alleged manipulations and financial impropriety in the CBN which contributed to the collapse of our national economy.
“NEC vehemently rejected the continued stay of Mr. Emefiele as CBN Governor after being confirmed as a card-carrying member of the APC. The CBN is the custodian and keeper of all INEC sensitive materials used in all elections. Having been confirmed as a member of the APC, Mr. Emefiele, can no longer be trusted with INEC sensitive materials which are key to the guarantee of free, fair and credible elections.
“NEC assures Nigerians that the PDP is resolute in taking very firm legitimate series of action in the march to restore and protect the sanctity of our Central Bank and electoral process,” PDP added.
