Stephen Ukandu, Umuhia
The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has finally thrown open its 2023 presidential ticket to all aspirants from every part of the country.
This was the recommendation of the Gov. Samuel Ortom-led 37-man zoning committee of the party which concluded its work in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ikengaonline gathered that the ’37 wise men’ of the party settled for the option of throwing the ticket open “due to exigency of time”, according to a source privy to the decision.
The source, however, noted that PDP still retained zoning in its constitution.
“Zoning as in our party constitution is affirmed,” the source which pleased anonymity said.
Leaked recommendations by the committee also indicated that PDP should take a decision on zoning at least six months before an election.
The statement read in part: “Recommendations of PDP Zoning Committee:
“1. Zoning, as in our party constitution, is affirmed.
“2. In spite of (1) above, (the) Ticket is thrown Open, this time around due to exigency of time.
“3. Our Party is encouraged to always make the issue of zoning very clear at least 6 months before sales of forms.
“4. Our Party should commend the efforts of some of our contestants on the issue of consensus candidacy; the efforts should be seen to a peaceful and logical conclusion.
PDP, had at its 95th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, last month, set up a 37-man committee comprising members from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to recommend a zoning formula for the various electoral offices ahead of next year’s polls.
The party had zoned its presidential ticket to the North in 2015, but despite agitations for the party to zone its ticket to the South-East, the committee has recommended otherwise.
Speaking with newsmen later, Gov. Ortom said the decision to throw the ticket open was unanimous.
“By the Grace of God, we have unanimously adopted a position that will be sent to the NEC of our party that appointed us.
“The good news for the teeming supporters of the PDP and Nigerians is that we have resolved and every one of us – the 37 members, unanimously adopted the position that we are going to present to NEC.”
