29th December, 2013
Ayo Oluokun/Abuja
The National Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday said it is in support of the suit filed against the result of November 16, Anambra State gubernatorial election by Tony Nwoye, its candidate.
The national leadership of PDP had before now described the election won by Willie Obiano, the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, as free and fair.
This was in contrast to the position of its candidate who protested that the election was not free and fair as it was marred with a lot of malpractices.
Nwoye had filed a petition challenging the result of the election, just like Senator Chris Ngige, the candidate of All Progressives Congress. Both of them are asking the electoral tribunal to nullify the election.
But in what is an obvious turn around, the PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh, said it is in total support of the suit filed by its candidate, which it described as a “step in the right direction and an acceptance of the directive of the National Working Committee earlier communicated to him to pursue the mandate in accordance with established democratic procedures and rules.”
“The PDP is totally committed to democracy and electoral processes as stipulated by the constitution and laws of our land.
“This explains why we remained steadfast to the processes outlined for the Anambra governorship election and the reason for our earlier stand and directive to our candidate and members to participate in the Supplementary Election as directed by INEC.
“As a party committed to strengthening the institution of democracy, we believe that due process must be followed at all times to allow the laws and electoral rules run their full courses without any interruption. It is in this regard that we commend our candidate for conforming with the ideals of our great party in seeking redress at the right time and through the appropriate democratic channel”, the statement said.
The PDP said it is sure that justice will prevail at the end of the day even as it said it is remains impressed by Nwoye’s credible outing, resilience and grassroot appeal which brought him to the forefront in the race despite having only two weeks to campaign. The party also charged all PDP members to close ranks and remain focused in supporting the candidate.