1st June, 2013
The idea being mooted 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.