Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal House of Representatives at a caucus meeting held at the instance of the party’s chairman, Adamu Muazu pressed for automatic tickets in the forthcoming general elections.
The parley, which was attended by PDP governors and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), was geared towards stemming the spate of defection of members to the All Progressive Congress (APC), following the crisis that engulfed the ruling party under erstwhile Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Five PDP governors and over 57 lawmakers have so far dumped the party for APC, sequel to the unresolved crisis.
Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola, the house leader who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, noted that the request was hinged on the party’s promise to the lawmakers.
Akande-Adeola, who expressed optimism in the resolution of the crisis, also demanded for active involvement in the party’s activities by way of becoming members of PDP committees at constituency level.
She maintained that the lawmakers “would want to be assured of automatic ticket in the forthcoming elections and the opportunity to nominate membership of various committees in their constituencies and the need arises”.
While responding, PDP Chairman, Adamu Muazu urged all party faithful in the House of Representatives to be steadfast and to demonstrate renewed commitment to the party.
Muazu, who was accompanied by Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, said: “It is a pity that things have gone the way they have gone, the disconnect between the party and the members of the House will be a thing of the past. If the party gave you a platform, you owe it a responsibility to remain in the party”.
He assured the members that all issues troubling their minds including finances will be taken care of by the party.
On his part, Akpabio, who doubles as Chairman of the PDP Governor’s Forum, warned that the meeting will determine the return or otherwise of the PDP members in the House.
“The outcome of this meeting will determine to a large extent the return or exit of some of you, because, your governors are here”, he said. “You don’t relate much with your governors and get disconnected from state functions. But this meeting would strengthen all that out. Whatever is decided here would become the Abuja accord”.
