The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the new leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assert its independence.
This is contained in the communiqué issued and read by Prof. Adewale Oladipo, the National Secretary of PDP at the end of the party’s national conference on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the conference was; “PDP and the Sustenance of Democratic Ideals in Nigeria.”
It also called on the commission’s leadership to resist all external influences and ensure free, fair and credible electoral process in Kogi and Bayelsa and other future elections.
It said that the call became imperative as “the PDP will not accept any results that do not reflect the true wishes and aspirations of the people, particularly in Kogi and Bayelsa states’’.
The party, according to the communiqué, resolved that the PDP at all levels would continue to ensure credible, robust and issue-based opposition.
“This will be done while promoting harmonious relationship among all people and ensuring that citizens’ confidence in democracy does not wane.’’
The conference called for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the PDP Post Election Review Committee Report, with a view to giving the party back to the rightful owners, the people.
It noted that the implementation include, especially those relating to zoning, internal democracy, e-registration and the restructuring of the party at all levels.
The party noted the sudden decline in the economy and quality of life of Nigerians, occasioned by the lack of policy direction of the APC government, in addition to the growing tension among others.
“We have resolved to further expand the inclusion and the role of youths in party programmes and policies, and take steps to guarantee representation in party organs, develop roadmap for vibrant youth participation and support concession for electoral contests.’’
It called on all organs of the party to commence preparations for its National Convention scheduled for March 2016, and prior to that, congresses at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels.
