The National Working Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party National Youth Frontier (PDP NYF) has stressed the need for the PDP to strategize ahead of 2019 by first putting its house in order, expanding youth political space within Nigeria’s democratic system, exploring possibilities of a merger with other parties and if possible rebrand the party which shall include a change of the name. The group also advocated for the expulsion of all members of the party undergoing criminal investigation.
The group rose from an extra-ordinary emergency session, which held in Abuja on Thursday 21st January 2016 to pass the resolutions. According to the PDP NYF in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Usman Austin Okai, “Following the outcome of the general elections, it has become necessary for the PDP to strategize ahead of 2019 by first putting its house in order and expanding youth political space within our democratic system, creating space for merger with other parties and if possible rebranding the party which shall include change of the name.
“In the past two months, several consultations and shared ideas have pointed to the fact that for the PDP to regain power at the federal level come 2019, a total overhaul of its entire system must occur. The party must ensure discipline and expel the members undergoing criminal investigation include NWC and BoT members, group also affirms it support for war against corruption of the Buhari Administration but it must be within the purview of law and ensure fundamental human rights are protected.
“The National Headquarters of the party must in the overall interest of the party and provide such a playing ground for all aspirations to thrive within the party.
“Nigeria is currently at a crossroad such that only a strong sense of leadership with purpose can return the country to the path of economic prosperity, progress and unity which it may have deviated from.
“The war against corruption and graft is wholly a welcome development that is long overdue. However the war must be executed with regards to the constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria above anything else.
“There is need for the scope of the war against corruption to be widened. This is in the interest of national unity. The war against corruption must be all-inclusive and not selective as this may be a major low for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The EFCC and President Muhammadu Buhari’s led federal government must engage Nigerians and update them on how much of our looted patrimony have been recovered so far. Dedicated accounts wherein the funds are deposited for safe keeping should also be disclosed be it in the custody of the CBN or EFCC.
“There is an essential need for proper separation on powers. The Judiciary is urged to stand firm and defend the right of Nigerians according to legal provisions without resorting to technicalities to protect unpatriotic citizens from punishment. The Chief Justice of the Federation must therefore charge legal practitioners to abide by the ethic of their profession as there is enormous danger in impunity and human rights abuse including the ones perpetrated by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The legislature must live up to its bill in checking the excesses of the executive at all times as the 2016 budget saga has shown that there is an urgent need to closely guide and monitor the activities of the presidency and some political greenhorns serving as aides holding sensitive posts.
“The above being the case, the Peoples’ Democratic National Youth Frontier hereby affirms its commitment to the progress and unity of Nigeria as well as its loyalty to the National Headquarters of the Peoples’ Democratic Party”, the statement concluded.
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