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Despite the initial hiccups witnessed at various wards of the People’s Democratic party ( PDP ) in Fufore, Girei, Yola North and Yola South, the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Wards Congress monitoring commitee in Adamawa State, Gebon Timothy Kataps, who is also the Secretary to the State Government ( SSG )of Taraba State has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the party’s ward congresses held across the 226 wards of the state.
Speaking during an interview while monitoring the exercise, Kataps said the congresses, which are part of PDP’s off-season congresses across Nigeria, had so far been peaceful, orderly, and well attended.
He disclosed that the monitoring team had visited at least three wards out of the 226 in Adamawa at the time of the interview and found the turnout impressive.
“So far so good, this is the third ward we are visiting and we are very impressed with the early turnout of delegates, the women and men of the party who have come out in their numbers to either vote for their candidates or affirm consensus candidates.
“We are also impressed with the unity we see among party members in all the wards visited. The atmosphere has been very peaceful,” Kataps said.
On the modalities guiding the exercise, Kataps explained that the PDP constitution provides for both elective contests and consensus arrangements. According to him, where more than one candidate is vying for a position, delegates are required to cast their votes, while in cases of consensus, delegates are expected to affirm agreed candidates.
He also commended the role of women in the process, noting their orderly conduct and high level of participation.
“The turnout of women is impressive. In several polling units, women were seen coming out in large numbers and maintaining order as they awaited the start of elections.
Even when men were moving around, the women stayed in line, which was quite commendable,” he said.
The issue of civil servants participating in politics also came up during the interview, following the recent resolution by the Nigerian Senate permitting civil servants to engage in political activities.
Responding, Kataps, a lawyer, clarified the constitutional position.
He said while freedom of association is guaranteed under the law, civil servants who wish to contest elections must resign from service before doing so.
“The constitution allows everybody freedom of association, which includes civil servants. You can belong to any political party, but when it comes to contesting an election, you must relinquish one. You cannot be a civil servant and at the same time seek elective office.
Common sense and the law make that clear,” Kataps explained.
Reflecting on the broader outlook of the PDP, Kataps admitted that the party is going through a period of challenges but expressed confidence that it would overcome them.
“Yes, we are facing our fair share of challenges at the moment, some self-inflicted and others caused by those seeking to destabilize the party. But I can assure you, the PDP is a party that is deeply rooted in Nigeria. It remains in the hearts of the people, and Nigerians love the party. The PDP will rise again,” he stated with optimism.
The Adamawa congresses form part of the nationwide ward congresses being held by the PDP to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of future political contests.