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The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
said yesterday that it will scrutinise the list of corrupt politicians on the
website of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that
those proven guilty are not given its ticket to contest for any position during
the forthcoming elections.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali,
who spoke to journalist last night after a meeting of the National Working
Committee, said it has not received any formal letter from the EFCC on the
matter, and that it will not take action based on newspapers reports since it
(party) is not a court of law.

The anti-graft agency reportedly listed the names of over 50
corrupt aspirants on its website. It also advised political parties not to
field them for any elective offices until they are cleared by the courts.

“What is important is that whatever that is be done has to be
done through a thorough work. Even though the names are there on the advisory
list, since we are not the court, it is not possible for us to pass judgement
whether somebody is guilty or not. That is why in the process of looking at all
the issues involved, there must be proper consultations and discussions at
every level so that everybody will be comfortable with the outcome,” Mr Alkali
said.

The PDP spokesperson noted that many members of the party will
be concerned about the list.

“When the EFCC which is the professional organ responsible for
this assignment issues a statement like this, many people will be concerned. We
should be able to calm them down to let them know that the party will not go
after their jugular just like that. So we want them to remain calm and continue
with their normal activities as party men and leaders.”

ANPP to checkmate the
move

The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) said it is not in
possession of the list of corrupt politicians reportedly sent to the political
parties.

A statement by the its spokesperson, Emma Eneukwu said the EFCC
action must be checked.

“The ANPP views as a throw-back to the pre-2007 election era
the purported submission of list of politicians tagged as corrupt by the EFCC
and a development that must be checkmated.

“The ANPP is not in possession of any list containing names of
its either former or serving elected public office holders and therefore
defends its members of allegation of corrupt practiceswhen nine of them have
been found guilty by the competent court of jurisdiction.”

The party however said it does not tolerate corruption in any
form.

“Much as we welcome any legal move that will ensure that politicians with
questionable character are not allowed to return to office to continue their
looting spree or seek refuge against prosecution, we are also against the
decision of the EFCC to raise allegations and seek to stop such alleged
politicians from further pursuing their political ambition.