Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State on Tuesday inaugurated a 13-member Screening Committee for its forthcoming state executive elective congress.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration, witnessed by PDP elders and leaders in the state, including Local Government party executives , took place in Ikeja.
Members of the committee are: Dr Remi Akitoye (Chairman), Rev. Ahisu Dansu (Secretary), Mrs Onikepo Oshodi, Sen. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Mrs Aduke Maina, Dr Niran Adeniji and Elder John Agbaje.
Others are: Aare Rasaq Fakunle, Alhaja Olorunkemi Babs, Alhaji Sikiru Yusuf, Alhaji Olatunji Hassan, Dr Ogunbambi Lai, and Evangelist Olajumoke Akinola.
Addressing the leaders before the inauguration, Chief Bode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, said that the inauguration was to prepare the ground ahead of the forthcoming party’s congresses at the wards, local, and state levels.
According to him, the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) has expressed readiness of the party to conduct congresses at the ward, local and state levels before the convention of the party slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“I want to reaffirm, the experiences of the past made us to start in-house. We are doing this so that we reduce the acrimony that we normally face or the manipulation from people from outside.
“This is PDP Lagos State’s internal organisation to make sure we are stable before the national body will start their job. This is just like a mock examination to put our house in order.
“Once the mock examination is fine, we are good to move and pass the real examination. We are bringing civility, commitment, loyalty and dedication back to the party.
“We decided at the NEC Meeting that the new PDP will be people-focused. We have decided to refocus our party, and re-organise our party, to be able to give a good fight in 2027,” George said.
According to him, the inauguration is one of the steps being taken to strengthen the party and position it for greatness.
George said that the next leadership of the party must be seen to be committed to the vision and ideology of PDP.
“This party must have a new face and a new commitment to the people of Nigeria.
“We want to build a party that will put the people first, a party that will eliminate discrimination but be fair for all. We must sell this message to the people of Nigeria.
“Let us assure and convince them that we have the capacity, ability, and knowledge to make this better for them,” he added.
Urging political office leaders to shun greed and corruption, George said that the focus of governance must be on the people.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to set machinery in motion to re-work the current Nigeria’s constitution in order to engender genuine federalism and to reset the country.
George also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow seamless electronic transmission of election results from polling units, to strengthen the electoral system.
“Our election must be seamless, credible and devoid of all forms of manipulation,” he said.
Highlighting the terms of reference for the committee George urged the committee to assess aspirants’ party membership, curriculum vitae, positions applied for, contributions to the party.
He said that committee must also look at aspirants’ consistency and, performance in the past to the party as well as their loyalty, dedication, commitment, capacity and character for the post being contested for.
Speaking on behalf of other committee members, Akitoye pledged to ensure that only credible leaders emerge in the forthcoming congresses across levels.
“We swore to an oath that we will do our best in the assignment given to us. This assignment is for us to have a new foundation for the PDP not only in Lagos but also to the whole federation.
“If we get it right here in Lagos, others will decide to copy us. I want to assure you that, God being on our side, we shall deliver.” (NAN)