The Peoples Democratic Party has extended the deadline for the submission of expression of interest and nomination forms for aspirants indefinitely.
This decision was made to ensure smooth arrangements for the conduct of the exercise, according to Debo Ologunagba, Secretary of the Publicity Sub Committee.
The National Convention Organizing Committee approved the shifting of the date for the screening of aspirants earlier scheduled for Tuesday, September 30. New dates will be communicated in due course, and all aspirants are advised to note the extension and be guided accordingly.
“The extension is necessitated by the need to ensure all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the exercise,” Ologunagba stated. The party’s national elective convention is fixed for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The extension of the deadline comes amid speculations and controversies surrounding the party’s internal dynamics. The PDP National Convention is considered a make or mar exercise, with the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s camp reportedly threatening a showdown.
As the party navigates these challenges, Ologunagba’s statement reassures aspirants that the party is working to ensure a smooth process. “New dates will be communicated in due course. All aspirants should note the extension and be guided accordingly.”
The PDP’s decision to extend the deadline indefinitely gives room for more aspirants to participate in the convention. However, the party’s leadership is yet to fix a new date for the submission of forms.
The development is significant, given the importance of the national elective convention. The party’s leadership is expected to ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and free from any form of manipulation.