The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) rose from its 4th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Monday, describing the on-going discussion on National Conference as a contradicting contraption, diversion of scarce resources and a sheer waste of time.
However, the party agreed to participate to ensure it is not used to divide Nigerians along ethnic, sectional and religious lines.
The party made its position known in a communiqué issued at the end of the NEC meeting held in Abuja and presided over by its National Chairman, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim.
According to the Media Advisor to the Chairman, Alaba Yusuf, the Party also urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to start putting in place modalities to facilitate the right to vote for Nigerians abroad and the use of electronic voting at future elections.
The Party also said it will only partake in the Confab to push crucial issues of good governance, national security, corruption, qualitative education, employment and affordable public health to the front-burner of the National Conference.
Ibrahim said, “Our position at PDM is to stand shoulder to shoulder with the common man and all patriotic Nigerians to ensure equity, honesty, transparency, development, security and unity of our country.
“PDM has made it a top priority in its manifesto, amongst others, to advocate for and realise the right to vote for the over 20 million Nigerians in the Diaspora. We are therefore calling on INEC and the National Assembly to create the enabling laws that will open the political space for all eligible Nigerians, regardless of where they reside, to vote for leaders of their choice.
“The issue of electronic voting within the shortest time is also dear to our party, in order to have free and fair elections.
Meanwhile, the PDM has slated its party congresses and convention for January next year. The party is also to commence its manual registration of members before the end of the year.
