From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The People’s Democrat Party (PDP), Adamawa state chapter, has peacefully conducted free and fair ward congress election across 226 wards in the state.
The Adamawa State PDP Wards Congress Chairman, Gebon Kataps, expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the ward congresses.
In an interview after monitoring the exercise, Kataps said the congresses, is part of PDP’s off-season congresses across Nigeria
According to the Chairman, the monitoring team went to almost three wards at the time of the interview and was impressed with the turnout.
Related News
“So far so good, this is the third ward we are visiting and we are very impressed with the early turnout of delegates, the women and men of the party who have come out in their numbers to either vote for their candidates or affirm consensus candidates.
Kattaps accordingly said, “We are also impressed with the unity we see among party members in all the wards visited. The atmosphere has been very peaceful”.
Kataps, noted that the Party’s constitution provides for both elective contests and consensus arrangements. Adding that, where more than one candidate is vying for a position, delegates are required to cast their votes, while in cases of consensus, delegates are expected to affirm agreed candidates, he explained.
The Chairman, who is also Secretary to the Taraba state government, commended the role of women in the process, noting their orderly conduct and high level of participation.
“The turnout of women is impressive. In several polling units, women were seen coming out in large numbers and maintaining order as they awaited the start of elections. Even when men were moving around, the women stayed in line, which was quite commendable”.
Responding to civil servants participating in politics, Kataps, clerified the constitutional position during the recent resolution by the Nigerian Senate, permitting civil servants to engage in political activities.
He said while freedom of association is guaranteed under the law, civil servants who wish to contest elections must resign from service before doing so.
“The constitution allows everybody freedom of association, which includes civil servants. You can belong to any political party, but when it comes to contesting an election, you must relinquish one. You cannot be a civil servant and at the same time seek elective office. Common sense and the law make that clear,” he said.
On the broader outlook of the PDP, Kataps admitted that the party is going through a period of challenges but expressed confidence that it would overcome them.
“Yes, we are facing our fair share of challenges at the moment, some self-inflicted and others caused by those seeking to destabilize the party. But I can assure you, the PDP is a party that is deeply rooted in Nigeria. It remains in the hearts of the people, and Nigerians love the party. The PDP will rise again”.
The Adamawa congress, form part of the nationwide ward congresses being held by the PDP to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of future political contests.
