Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Chairman, National Convention Organising Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday reassured candidates contesting for various offices of level-playing ground.
Okowa, who is the Governor of Delta, gave the assurance at the opening of the party’s convention in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigetia, NAN.
While welcoming delegates and guests to the event, Okowa said that the committee had worked hard to make the convention successful.
He thanked the National Caretaker Committee of the party for sustaining the party through its crisis period and for its contribution to ensure that the convention was held.
“After today, we shall come out stronger as a party that will make all members proud; we shall come out as vessels of honour.
“In several meetings with the aspirants, the electoral committee had assured aspirants of a level-playing ground.
“We have taken oath to God and the committee is determined to deliver a free and fair election,” he said.
He urged the delegates to cooperate with the committee to ensure a smooth process.
Presenting a report on the party’s activities, National Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ben Obi, said that the political landscape in the country had been difficult for the party.
He alleged that the ruling party, the All Progress Congress (APC) had made efforts to frustrate the PDP, but that the doggedness of the members had kept the party alive.
Obi said the committee had successfully conducted congresses in all the states except Osun and had reconciled many differences among members.
He said that the party must continue to forge ahead and play according to the rules, noting that PDP was the hope of all Nigerians.
The secretary said that staff of the party had not been paid for three years but the workers had remained faithful to the party, especially during its crisis.
He urged the National Executive Committee that would emerge from the convention to address the welfare of the staff, especially their salary, saying that it was not salutary for the party.