The debate over how far civil servants can go in politics resurfaced on Saturday in Adamawa State during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congresses.

 

Chairman of the PDP Adamawa Ward Congress Committee, Timothy Kataps, stressed that while the constitution guarantees freedom of association, civil servants who wish to contest elections must resign their public posts first.

 

Kataps, a lawyer and Secretary to the Taraba State Government, told journalists:

 

“The constitution allows everybody freedom of association, which includes civil servants. You can belong to any political party, but when it comes to contesting an election, you must relinquish one. You cannot be a civil servant and at the same time seek elective office.”

 

He hailed the peaceful conduct of the ward congresses across Adamawa’s 226 wards, describing them as part of efforts to strengthen the PDP nationally.

 

Acknowledging that the party faces “fair share of challenges” both internally and from external forces, Kataps said he remains confident the PDP will overcome.

 

“Some of the problems are self-inflicted, others come from those trying to destabilise the party, but the PDP is deeply rooted in Nigeria. The PDP will rise again,” he declared.