24th November, 2014
The immediate past Minister of Information, Mr Lararan Maku, has said that political parties should not be seen as mere platforms for capturing political power, but foundation for building nations.
He said this on Sunday in Abuja after being screened to contest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dec. 8 primaries in Nasarawa State.
NAN reports that Maku was screened along side other aspirants from the North Central by the PDP screening panel, led by FCT Minister of State, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide.
The aspirants were asked relevant questions regarding their academic qualification, tax clearance and their conformity with PDP electoral guidelines, among others.
Maku, who came out smiling after the screening, told newsmen that he would remain in the PDP because of his political persuasion.
Brandishing his clearance certificate, the former minister said: “Look at my clearance certificate, very fresh; I contested for the ticket in 2007 and somehow I didn’t get it.
“But I stayed in the party, unlike others who migrated to other parties, looking for platforms to contest. I believe that people should be in the party as a matter of principle.”
Maku said that political parties should be seen as a philosophical foundation for construction of democracy and the development of states.
Other aspirants that were screened included Gbemi Saraki, Mr Stephen Lawani, Dr Sam Odeh and Mr Felix Atume.
The aspirants would contest for the party`s ticket at its primaries slated for 8 December across the country.
Whoever wins the party’s ticket at the primaries becomes its candidate for the February 2015 governorship election.