Just In: Forget 3rd term – PDP tells party excos ahead of congress, releases guidelines

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed all serving ward and local government executives across the country to jettison any third-term ambition as the party rolls out fresh guidelines for its forthcoming congresses.

According to the guidelines issued by the party’s National Secretariat and circulated by the Oyo state chapter of the PDP to all local government areas in on Friday, Sept. 5, the party stressed that the new directive is in line with its constitution and commitment to internal ddirectiv.

The party equally maintained that no officer is permitted to exceed two consecutive terms in office.

According to the guidelines, the ward and local government congresses will be conducted simultaneously across all states where the PDP is active.

The party emphasized that the congresses would follow strict adherence to its constitution to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.

“All ward and local government executive members who have completed their two terms are strongly advised to respect the party’s constitution and avoid attempts to perpetuate themselves in office.

“The party will not hesitate to sanction violators,” the statement read.

The guidelines, as released, cover nomination procedures, eligibility requirements, and timelines for the conduct of the congresses.

Aspiring candidates are expected to obtain nomination forms at designated party offices, while stakeholders are urged to ensure peaceful and credible exercises.

The party also called on members across the country to see the congresses as an opportunity to strengthen the PDP’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They reminded stakeholders of the need to avoid rancor, factionalism, and imposition of candidates, which have previously weakened the party in some states.

The statement further urged governors, lawmakers, and other elected officials on the party’s platform not to interfere in the selection process at the ward and local government levels, stressing that doing so could undermine unity and weaken preparations for the national elections.

Meanwhile, the PDP assured that it has put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with the guidelines, warning that any breach will attract disciplinary measures.