Mark John
A leading aspirant for the PDP National Ex-officio position from Nasarawa State,
Hajiya Farida Umar has described the information circulating on social media about the zoning of PDP National Ex-officio positions in Nasarawa State as fake.
According to her, the People's Democratic Party in Nasarawa State has not concluded any zoning arrangements for the positions allocated to the state ahead of the National Congresses.
She made this clarification while speaking to journalists at the Weekend, stating that she was never invited to any meeting where such zoning decisions were made, and she never attended a consensus meeting as an aspirant for the National Ex-officio position.
Hajiya Farida Umar emphasized that the PDP's strength lies in its commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusivity, as enshrined in the party's constitution.
It would be recalled that fake news has been circulating claiming Francis Orogu, Beauty Aliyu Sudar, and Sani Mohammed have been presented as Central Secretary Ex-Officio 1 and Ex-Officio 2, respectively, during a consensus.
Reacting to the fake news, Hajiya Farida Umar, an active, experienced, and committed PDP member for years, emphasized that the strength of the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections lies in its unwavering commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusivity.
According to her, these principles, enshrined in the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), remain the foundation of the party's unity and progress.
Hajiya Farida Umar dismissed the fake news and called on all PDP members and the Executive Committee of the Party in Nasarawa State to uphold the constitutional rights of all members in the ongoing allocation of party positions zoned to the state.
Umar advised those spreading rumors that could cause crisis in the party, especially in Nasarawa State, to desist.
She emphasized that the PDP Constitution guarantees every party member the right to contest any position they are eligible for, provided the process is fair and inclusive.
"Specifically, Section 7(2)(c) of the PDP Constitution emphasizes the need for justice, fairness, and equitable distribution of party offices to promote internal democracy and inclusion.
"This provision ensures all zones and members have equal opportunities to participate in party activities, including contesting positions zoned to their areas.
As a committed party member from Nasarawa South, Hajiya Farida Umar said she has demonstrated competence, dedication, and loyalty in her service to the PDP.
She has declared her intention to contest the National Ex-Officio position and assured PDP members that voting for her is voting for capacity, leadership, and progress.
With her impressive record of holding several responsibilities at state and national levels, Hajiya Farida Umar believes she is the most experienced candidate for the National Ex-Officio position.
"My records are very clear for everyone to check; I have held several responsibilities at both state and national levels and demonstrated capabilities that have earned the trust of many.
"As an active PDP member for years from Nasarawa State, I have shown dedication and commitment to the party's ideals. I believe I am the most experienced candidate for the National Ex-officio position, having worked tirelessly for the party and supported others.
"I should be given this opportunity, and I am qualified. We need to position the party with credible leaders who will work hard to deliver come 2027; I believe I am one of those leaders who will add value to the party."
