PDP Insists Convention Holds As Scheduled

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says there is no shift in the dates of its scheduled National Convention where it would pick its Presidential candidate for the 2023 Presidential election.

The Party’s declaration comes amidst strong speculations that it was considering a rescheduling, based on the sudden decision by  the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Friday, to grant six more days to Political Parties for their Primaries.

Not a few people allege that INEC deliberately added six more days to pander to the desires of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which is yet to put its house in order. Till date, it has not screened its Presidential aspirants.

Based on INEC’s shift, the APC, immediately, rescheduled its dates to June 6 and 7,  prompting speculations that the PDP would do the same.

But in a statement on Saturday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, PDP said the party is going ahead with its Convention as scheduled. Said the statement:

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP states in very clear terms, that it has not postponed its 2022 Special Convention. The 2022 Special National Convention of the PDP is on course as scheduled today, Saturday May 28, 2022, and there is no contemplation whatsoever for postponenent.”

Following is the full statement as released by the Party.

PDP 2022 National Convention Holds as Scheduled Today

“The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to speculations from some strange quarters that it has postponed its 2022 National Convention holding today, Saturday, May 28, 2022

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP states in very clear terms that is has not postponed its 2022 Special National Convention. The 2022 Special National Convention of the PDP is on course as scheduled today, Saturday May 28, 2022 and there is no contemplation whatsoever for postponement.

“The PDP as a party of due process has since commenced processes to elect our Presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections in line with our mission to rescue and rebuild our nation from misrule.

“Our Party remains focused and will not be distracted by the shenanigans and underhand dealings of the rudderless, deceitful and manipulative All Progressives Congress (APC), which is desperate to orchestrate uncertainties, derail the electoral process and subvert the Will of the people in the 2023 general elections.

“The PDP 2022 Special National Convention is already on course, our Presidential candidates, national delegates, teeming members of our great Party and Nigerians from across the country are set for the National Convention, which will at the end, credibly and transparently deliver a Presidential candidate who will be the choice of majority of Nigerians in the 2023 general elections.

“The PDP therefore charges our members, swarming supporters, the International Community, election monitors and the general public to disregard and completely discountenance suggestions that the 2022 Special National Convention has been postponed.

“The APC is fighting a lost battle as its resort to manipulations and underhand dealings can never sway Nigerians in their determination to vote out the APC in 2023 and commence the rebuilding of our nation on the platform of the PDP.