PDP’s convention plans crash as INEC rejects lists

PLANS by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hold a mini-convention suffered a major setback yesterday. The National Working Committee (NWC) ordered the Jerry Gana Committee to put on hold the special convention slated for August 31.

The Southwest congress slated for August 24 is also affected. A statement by the leadership of the party, after its NWC meeting yesterday, cited anomalies and breaches of the party’s constitution for the action. The statement, signed by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Tony Okeke said: “In view of the anomalies and breaches of the constitution of the PDP observed in the actions so far taken by the Special National Convention Planning Committee, the NWC has directed the Committee to put on hold all activities relating to the Special South West Zonal Congresses and the Special National Convention, pending the regularisation of the anomalies and breaches so as to forestall a repeat of the events that affected the party’s convention in 2012.

“Consequently, the dates recently announced by the Planning Committee are in the circumstances untenable. “The NWC, with the view to resolving the protracted problems of the Anambra State chapter of the party, has resolved to invite major stakeholders in the state to an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting on the 18th of July, 2013 to commence consultations towards finding a lasting solution to the problems of the party in the state, which will lead the party to a successful governorship primary election in the state.

“The NWC viewed with concern recent developments in Rivers State and also resolved to invite the National Vice Chairman, South South, to come and brief it to enable it take an informed decision that will lead to a prompt resolution of the crisis in the state”