Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has urged against the imposition of candidates at the People's Democratic Party's national convention on December 9. Dickson, who was the former chairman of the PDP reconciliation committee, emphasised the importance of unity and transparency in the party. He called for a level-playing field for all aspirants and urged party leaders and delegates to make sacrifices for unity. Dickson emphasised that Nigerians see the convention as an opportunity to usher in a rebranded and united PDP, which they will embrace in 2019. He expressed optimism that if the PDP gets its national convention right, it is likely to hold a successful presidential primary in 2018.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may not vote during its national convention on Saturday. However, he will be allowed to attend and address party members. PDP BoT chairman Walid Jibrin stated that the party is waiting for Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and other Senators and House of Representatives to return to its fold. Atiku's return to the PDP is seen as a good omen for the party, as he was one of the founding fathers of the party. The party's national publicity secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said that he could check the party's constitution to determine if Atiku is eligible to vote. Adeyeye alleged that overzealous government elements are trying to disrupt the convention to prevent it from holding. The PDP spokesman did not reveal the individuals involved in the alleged plot.