Rising from its one-day National Conference in Abuja, Thursday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it described as ‘growing authoritarianism’ of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, which it said, has been characterized by ‘gross violation of human rights, constitutional infractions, invasion of a governor’s lodge and private homes, deliberate interference and instigation of crisis in the legislature, arm-twisting of the judiciary, undermining of democratic institutions like INEC, nepotism in appointments, abuse of power and clamp down on opposition elements.’
In a 12-point communiqué issued at the end of the conference and signed by the party’s National Secretary, Prof. Adewale Oladipo, the PDP also said it noted ‘the sudden decline in the economy and quality of life of Nigerians, occasioned by the lack of direction of the APC government, in addition to the growing tension and rancour in the polity as direct consequences of the divisive tendencies of the present administration.’
Continuing, the party said it: “Denounced the prevailing selective application in the fight against corruption targeted at opposition elements and perceived opponents of the regime, while APC members with corruption charges are being rewarded with ministerial positions and other juicy appointments as well as APC tickets in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
“Vehemently rejected the current manipulation of the judiciary and security forces by the APC-led Federal Government in its desperate bid to subvert the sovereign will of the people and forcefully take over states genuinely won by the PDP in the last general elections and ultimately impose a one-party state in Nigeria.
“Charged the new INEC leadership to assert the independence of the electoral body, resist all external influences and ensure free, fair and credible electoral process in Kogi and Bayelsa states and other future elections, as the PDP will NOT ACCEPT any results that do not reflect the true wishes and aspirations of the people, particularly in Kogi and Bayelsa states.”
According to the statement, the PDP said it has ‘resolved to further expand the inclusion and the role of youths in party programmes and policies, and take steps to guarantee representation in party organs, develop roadmap for a vibrant youth participation and support concession for electoral contests.’
In the same way, it ‘unanimously commended the tenacity, commitment and dedication of the National Working Committee for rising to the challenge and holding forth at the most trying period in the history of our party.’
The communiqué said the PDP ‘appreciated members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), PDP Governors Forum, PDP Caucus in the National Assembly as well as other elected and appointed officers on the platform of the party at all levels for their loyalty, commitment and unqualified selfless support to keep the flag of the Party flying in spite of the inclement political environment imposed by the fascist APC regime.’
This is just as it further called on ‘all organs of the party to commence preparations for the National Convention scheduled for March 2016 and prior to that, Congresses at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Ward levels of the party.’
It also urged the international community to ‘note the growing impunity, abuse of power, constitution infractions, violation of human rights, selective war against corruption, clampdown on the opposition, divisiveness and overall high-handedness; tendencies that pose great threat to our democracy and unity as a nation.’
The PDP stated that the event was in keeping with Article 33 (5, 8) of the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) which formally authorized the convening of a Special National Party Conference.
The Conference was attended by party leaders and key stakeholders including, founding members of the party, serving and former elected and appointed officers on the platform of the party at all levels as well as youth and women leaders across the country.
The objectives of the conference were to; take stock of the party’s performance at the 2015 Presidential and general elections; and also to reflect on the future of the party with a view to providing better options for the Nigerian electorate.
The theme of the Conference was; “PDP and the Sustenance of Democratic Ideals In Nigeria.”
Key resource persons at the Conference include; Prof. ABC Nwosu, Amb. Mrs. Nkoyo Toyo, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN, Prof. Dakas J Dakas.
