Nwodo Reassures On Credible Polls

National Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, has told the South African Government that Nigeria is committed to democracy as only the people’s will will prevail in the 2011 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja while welcoming South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoanie Mashabane who paid him a courtesy call in his Maitama home, Abuja, Nwodo said that the ruling party and government were committed to ensuring that the will of the people prevailed in the choice of political leaders during the 2011 general elections in the country.

According to him, Nigeria’s commitment to democracy was sacrosanct, notwithstanding the teething problems being faced, adding that the on-going electoral process within the party was a test for the party and the country in the democratic journey. He said Nigeria and South African had a lot in common as Africa’s leading countries and regional powers.

Earlier, the Minister, Nkoane Mashabanie told the National Chairman that she came to deliver a message from President Jacob Zuma to President Gookluck Jonathan and was directed to see the National Chairman of the ruling party.

She invited the National Chairman to the African National Congress (ANC) centenary celebration in January next year.

Mashabanie said that South Africa was disposed to solving Ivory Coast political logjam the African way using ECOWAS than use of force.

In another development, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to bringing a new face of leadership to Nigeria and he is desirous of following his footsteps.

Senator Mohammed who spoke while addressing aspirants to the lone FCT senatorial seat as well as its two seats in the House of Representatives in his conference Room, Area II, Garki I District, Abuja said no candidate was anointed to fly the People Democratic Party (PDP) flag during the forthcoming general elections.

Senator Mohammed remarked that PDP was a family and, therefore, all aspirants belonged to him as the leader and political head of FCT administration.

Senator Mohammed recalled that the previous Area Councils’ election conducted when he took over the mantle of leadership of FCT would remain a shining example for emulation.

The Minister stressed the Chairman of PDP in FCT, Alhaji Alhassan Gwagwa to make the process transparent by maintaining fairness, equity and justice to give all aspirants a sense of belonging.

While advising all aspirants to play politics without bitterness and shun violence and thuggery, stressed that the winners should be magnanimous in victory and carry the losers along.

The Minister described competition as hallmark of democracy, and enjoined the losers to collapse their interests, to make PDP the greatest political party in Africa.

Senator Mohammed reiterated that consensus candidate was undemocratic and that the primaries should be allowed to take their natural course in order to bring out the best.

The meeting was attended by the FCT Minister of State, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, the FCT Police Commissioner, the FCT Director of the State Security Services, Chairman of FCT PDP; Chairmen of PDP in all the six Area Councils of the FCT as well as all the aspirants.