The Forum of State Chairmen of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has frowned at the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, extended to the national leadership of the party.
The Forum after consultation among its members says the monitoring of political parties funds is the legal and constitutional duty of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and not that of EFCC.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Forum’s Public Relations Officer and Chairman of Nasarawa State Chapter, Francis Orogu.
The statement also notes that INEC has not raised any issue on the generation and management of the finances of the PDP as a party. It also added that the EFCC has never questioned the management of the finances of any political party in Nigeria.
Orogu further added that the laws establishing both EFCC and INEC are very clear as to their respective functions stating that Nigeria is a multi-party democracy and not a one-party democracy.
The Forum also advised EFCC, government agencies and institutions not to be involved in anything that will threaten the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
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They further vowed not to allow any agency or institution of government to temper with the cherished rights of Nigerians to hold and share their views through identification with any legally and constitutionally recognised association.
As 2023 general elections draws near, the Forum says it will resist any attempt by government agencies to muzzle the opposition parties by any group of power drunk individuals who want to perpetuate themselves in office through extra means.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
