Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark said yesterday that the alleged imposition of candidates by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would haunt the party at the polls.

Clark spoke at his Asokoro residence, when a group of PDP supporters from Gombe South/Central Senatorial District in Gombe State paid him a courtesy visit.

He said that the imposition of candidates was not democratic against the backdrop that the people were appointed as candidates of the party and not elected, in line with democratic principles.

He wondered why the National Working Committee, (NWC) and the National Executive Committee, (NEC) of the party would allow such ugly scenarios, considering the consequences.

He feared that the apathy it created within the party would haunt the party at the polls at all levels. But he was optimistic President Jonathan would still emerge winner, saying that things would change for the better for the party once Jonathan is re-elected in the March 28 Presidential election.

He also noted that matters for the PDP were not helped by aides and party chieftains who allegedly denied well meaning people access to the President.

“I am very sad indeed that people in Gombe State; majority of our minority people are being held hostages. The area of imposition is not limited to Gombe.

"The problem in PDP across the country as of today is caused by imposition of candidates. People being replaced by those who were not qualified for reasons best known to the party. So these are problems we are trying to solve

“A situation whereby a governor of a state would try to nominate everybody to become part of him is not democracy.

“When they do that they are merely protecting their own interests. If you nominate someone to represent you, they will go and nominate somebody else.

“The leadership of the PDP at various levels are doing that for their selfish interests. That is why they don’t allow you to elect your candidate for an election. It is the same people who will deny you access to Mr. President,” he said.

•Adapted from a Saturday Vanguard report. Photo shows Edwin Clark.