ABUJA – Rtd. Air Vice Marshal Terry Okorodudu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for Delta South Senatorial District, has warned against subverting the democratic process through incumbency or money factors.
He gave the warning while addressing newsmen at the PDP national headquarters while submitting his nomination forms for the 2015 election on Friday in Abuja.
“The people must be allowed to speak and a democratic process cannot be subverted by incumbency or money factors, otherwise, the stake itself will be jeopardised.
“We intend to ensure that this process of attempted hijacking at any level will not see the light of the day.
“I do believe and I know for fact that the President desires that the process is free and fair.
“So anybody, where ever he may be coming from, those attempts must be stood down and resisted by the party`s leadership and the people,’’ Okorodudu said.
He, however, said that senators seeking re-election in 2015, though had the inalienable rights to aspire to want automatic tickets, “ it does not mean that because they wished for it, they must have it.
“The process is clear, in many districts there is a zoning system which I do believe has been accepted in general principles by the PDP, from the presidency to other levels.
“So far, it has worked in many measures. It certainly cannot be automatic neither at the governorship or senate level, but the people themselves must determine who should be their leaders.’’
Okorodudu stressed that although the district had the potential of being the richest in the country, there were lots of discrepancies in the area which required to be addressed.
He promised to actualise the potentials of the district and Delta generally if elected.
He expressed confidence in the party`s leadership to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process ahead of the 2015 general elections.
He, however, noted that though there were some hiccups at the PDP Nov. 1, ward congress in Delta, the party`s national leadership was addressing issues raised from election.
He said this was necessary because if the electoral process was contaminated, it could affect the 2015 general elections and the party`s interest.
“I am sure that where these discrepancies may have been noticed, the party`s leadership will ensure that they are redressed because it is not in the party`s interest.
“ I am sure the discrepancies will be looked into and flaws corrected,’’ he said.
Okorodudu called on the people of Delta to have confidence in him and vote for him in 2015.(NAN)