We Are Not Scared Of Jega’s Appointment - PDP

PHOTO: INEC CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR ATTAHIRU JEGA.

ABUJA, JUNE 26, (THEWILL) - The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said the party was not scared of the appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, in a statement made available to THEWILL in Abuja was reacting to media reports credited to President Jonathan that some of his party bigwigs were unhappy with the appointment of firebrand Professor Jega.

''They said the nominee is a radical who will not succumb to any pressure. I told them that we must work hard and as well present the best candidates because there would be no room for manipulations,'' the statement credited to Jonathan said.

Prof. Alkali however believes that the president was quoted out of context noting that ''contrary to the insinuation the Peoples Democratic Party welcomes the nomination and confirmation of Prof. Jega in view of his unblemished reputation as a patriotic Nigerian, distinguished scholar and an accomplished administrator.''

''We wish to reiterate that Prof. Jega‘s choice is further proof of President Goodluck Jonathan‘s commitment to free, fair and credible elections,'' he further emphasized.

Professor Jega has assured that though the task of delivering credible elections in 2011 and beyond is a challenging, the electoral commission under him would succeed in ensuring that the polls are a true reflection of the electorates’ choice.