BEVERLY HILLS, November 26, (THEWILL) – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Wednesday annulled the disqualification of aspirants by Screening Appeal Panels, saying the panels clearly violated laid down rules.
In a statement signed by Olisa Metuh, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, the party said, “Screening Appeal Panels are neither authorized by our electoral guidelines nor by the constitution of the PDP to disqualify aspirants already cleared by the Screening Committees.”
It therefore directed all affected aspirants to ignore their purported disqualifications and continue to prepare for the party’s primaries.
The full text of the statement:
“Following enquiries by our members especially aspirants, the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to announce that all aspirants who have been cleared by different Screening Committees for the purpose of our primary elections should disregard any purported disqualification by Screening Appeal Panels.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Screening Appeal Panels are neither authorized by our electoral guidelines nor by the constitution of the PDP to disqualify aspirants already cleared by the Screening Committees.
In this regard, the NWC declares all such disqualifications by Appeal Panels null and void as they clearly violate laid down rules as well as the principles of natural justice and good conscience.
Consequently, the NWC hereby directs all affected aspirants to ignore such disqualifications and move ahead with preparations for the primaries.”