By Henry Umoru

ABUJA—AHEAD of its ward and local government congresses across the country, the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic, Party, PDP said yesterday that all members of the party were constitutionally entitled to participate in the congresses.

According to the Party in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali, both the old and new membership cards remain valid for the exercise, just as the party warned all Party officials at all levels to avoid creating scenarios where any member will be disenfranchised under whatever guise.

The Statement reads, “the attention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been drawn to several complaints by Party members nationwide on the eligibility of members to participate in the election of Party delegates in the forthcoming Ward and Local Government Congresses.

“We have received reports that some members of the PDP are likely to be prevented from either contesting to be delegates or voting for candidates of their choice by some party officials.

“We wish to state categorically that all PDP members are constitutionally entitled to participate in the Ward congresses. For the avoidance of doubt, both the old and new membership cards remain valid for the exercise.

“The National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo on behalf of the National Working Committee, NWC, wishes to urge all PDP members to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner in order to ensure a free and fair process of electing our candidates for the forthcoming General Elections.”