The National Working Committee of the PDP has approved composition of a committee that will screen the party’s nominated vice presidential candidate.
According to the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, members of the committee include the Chairman, High Chief Tom Ikimi; Secretary, Dr. Akilu Indabawa; Administrative Secretary, Sunday Omobo.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bature, also said members of the committee include Capt. Idris I. Wada (rtd); Chief Osita Chidoka; Rt. Hon. Binta Bello; Chief Mrs. Alh. Mutiat Adedoja; Rt. Hon. Austin Opara; Prof. Aisha Madawaki; Mrs. Ayotunde George-Ologun; Chief Mrs. Chidiebelu Mofus, and H.E. Fidelis Tapgun.
The statement read, “The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pursuant to the PDP’s Electoral Guidelines, PART VI Paragraph 14, has approved the nomination of the following party stakeholders to serve on the vice presidential candidate screening committee for the purpose of the screening/verifying the nominated vice presidential candidate of our party.
“The screening exercise will be at the National Working Committee Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja FCT, on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Time is 10am prompt.”
A PDP chieftain in Rivers State, Sydney Gbara said the party’s constitution should be considered at all times.
Gbara, in an interview with one of our correspondent said the people of the South should not be excited or jostle for the position of a running mate.
He said, “Well, in the first place, if we want to face equity in all fairness as to how the rulership of this country should go as it is recommended by the constitution of the PDP, the construction recognizes zoning.netween the North and the South.
“So, it is only natural that this time around since the North’ has rules for eight good years under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, power would have naturally gone to the South.
“But going by the situation we have found ourselves, we the people of the South-South should not be too excited by jostling for the position of the Vice President, knowing full well that ordinarily it is supposed to be our turn now to take up the presidential slot.”
But a political analyst, Dr Busari Dauda said the inability of any party to agree on its running mate portended danger to the party and the nation.
He said, “I think this has an implication not only on the candidate but the polity if the committee and leaders are not on the same page in deciding who the running mate will be.”
Another analyst, Olaseni Shalom said, “A presidential candidate needs a Vice President he can trust as long as the party has their contribution. This should be left to the candidate to decide first if he needs someone he can trust, someone that complement him.”
Dr Pius Akhimien of English Department, Lagos State University, advised the PDP. He stated, ‘‘The PDP has to consider the geopolitical zone of the running mate, religious belief. If I were to advise the PDP, I will suggest it allows the running mate come from the South, who must be a Christian.’’ – Punch.
