PDP bars state officials from endorsing aspirants

The Board of Trustees (BOT) of the party as well as its National Working Committee and the party’s governors forum had endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole candidate before it was adopted by the party’s NEC.
The position of the party is coming against a similar endorsement by the Benue State chairman of the PDP, Agbo Emmanuel of Senate President David Mark.
The party in a statement yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, said while it cannot stop individuals, groups or communities from endorsing persons of their choice, elected party officials at the state, local government and ward levels must not be involved in such.
 The PDP said such officials must remain as unbiased umpires in the nomination process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, only the National Executive Committee (NEC), as an organ of the party can officially endorse a candidate under the PDP constitution. All party officials at all levels are expected to be guided by this,” he said.
The PDP said the closing date for the sale of party nomination forms is October 30 and advised aspirants to adhere to the directive. adding that it will not extend the sales beyond that date.
“The NWC urges all aspirants to carefully study the guidelines and party’s code of conduct for elections and ensure that they conduct their campaigns accordingly as the PDP shall not condone any aberration or abuse of its internal electoral process,” he stated.