The idea
propose by Chief Tony Anenih, that President Goodluck Jonathan and state
governors be given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket via a policy of
“consensus arrangement” and “adoption” for the 2015 poll, has been rejected by
former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar.
The idea foreclosed primary
elections to pick the party’s torch bearers for the principal posts.
The former Vice President said
that he was repeatedly in courts to challenge this undemocratic arrangement and
that the courts ruled that the policy is alien to the PDP and Nigerian
constitutions.
In a statement by his Media
Office in Abuja weekend, the former Vice President said the principle for which
he opposes this unjust policy, which he described as a “travesty of democracy”
has not changed since then.
“My position remains that as far
as PDP Constitution is concerned, any attempt to change the party’s rule to
favour the President as a sole candidate in the event of his willingness to
re-contest is unconstitutional. The contest should be open to all desiring to
pursue an ambition on the platform of the PDP,” Atiku said.
While acknowledging that President
Jonathan is entitled to seek the party ticket in 2015, the former Vice
President, however, insisted that Jonathan should submit himself to a
transparent and fair process just like any other party member.
By foreclosing free and fair
process of selecting its presidential candidate, Atiku said the PDP might be
sending the wrong message to Nigerians about its commitment to conduct free and
fair elections for the entire country.
Anenih is the chairman of the PDP
Board of Trustees.
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