Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), YUNUSA SULAIMAN, tells Special Correspondent, IDU JUDE, the activities of the party in ensuring free and fair polls in the territory in 2015.
Aspirants for elective positions in FCT
I have heard that many are gearing up to pick forms, while few have already done that. We shall wait till the end of the period for purchase of forms, then we know the number of aspirants. But I must let you know that no aspirant is under obligation to declare. This is because declaration is not contained in the PDP constitution. What is important is showing expression of interest by all members of the party. And the time is not yet here for campaign; so it is very difficult to know.
Assessment of elected office-holders in FCT
You know that assessment of someone’s ability is based on individual standards. So, it is very difficult to say that one had done well on one side or another. But in the general analysis, all the political office-holders have done well – I mean, all the office-holders have performed better than their predecessors. From the councillors, the area council chairmen and the senator, all have done well in the last four years.
Sole candidacy option in FCT
In the FCT, the delegates decide who is elected into public offices. There is no idea of sole candidacy among the people. This is because the best is always got when the people decide with their votes, and it would have saved a lot of lives because no one forced them to do so. For instance, fracas at the polling booths and other political upheavals occur when the people envisage discrepancies among party officials. This breeds trouble and killing of innocent citizens.
What am I trying to say? Our election has been transparent since this administration assumed office. Our election is not bought with money because the seats are not for money bags.
More contestants in 2015
Democracy is all about the people expressing their interests, and we can say here that the more the merrier. The more number of people, the better chances the people have to make a better choice of candidate. It is time to get the best out of many. But if only few were seen, it may not give the people the opportunity to know the ability of others. So we expect more candidates. The issue of sole candidacy in a democratic setting can only be done in total agreement within the party. But here in the FCT, we have diverse ethnic groups. How can such an idea be practised? It is impossible, I can tell you.
Control of the youths against post-election violence
Yes, we had lots of their leaders invited because we are already experiencing a political climate setting and, of course, it is also the time of the gathering and the composition of people of different characters, opinions and political beliefs. So our job is to coordinate and to make sure that things are better done. We know that in a political era of this sort could be a time of campaign war; one trying to outweigh another. Part of the meeting was to alert everyone of the security implication in the FCT. It is time the youths were educated on the negative side of being used as political thugs. It was all about sensitising them. We advised them to reject the call of politicians who use them as political thugs while their children study abroad.
We also advised them on the empty promises made by unwilling politicians and the adverse effect. We told them to work for their tomorrow now by saying no to political violence.
Meeting of FCT PDP stakeholders
It was a time for us to present our party guideline, a time we let them know that the election time is around, a time we read our riot act to all those seeking political offices, that no matter their positions, win or lose, the party’s mandate must be maintained; win or lose, the loser must accept defeat and support the winner to do well in office. Since all of us are in one party, there is always another time for contest.
Party members were also told not to campaign with foul words. This is because some politicians among us are in the ‘do-or-die’ spirit and that prompts the use of every possible avenue within their reach to kill or maim an opponent.
Political gender-sensitivity
The PDP has been a gender-sensitive party; more considerate than any other you can think of. I know that it has not been that easy for women to rule this country and in the FCT. But I can also say that the ruling party has done well for women of this great country, especially under the present administration. Women are now occupying major decision-making portfolios in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
I also know that the party has made the purchase of nomination forms free for women who vie for elective positions. But I will advise that they keep trying; one day they will certainly be given the chance just like other countries where women lead.
Sole candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan
You will recall that our party’s National Executive Council (NEC) has endorsed President Jonathan as sole candidate based on his transformation agenda, urging him to continue. The decision was carried and was also presented to the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, who endorsed the decision. So as an organ of PDP in FCT, we have joined the call for the sole candidacy of Mr. President.
Every zonal PDP stakeholder was here because we had a zonal meeting, which FCT is the headquarters. I can tell you that the decision was taken during the meeting in the presence of everybody. Those who were not here also sent representatives, and there was no dissenting voice to counter the motion.