The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given its nod for the restarting of the online system for registration of party members across the country, beginning with the Edo state chapter.

On Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement, said the party had agreed to start the online registration.

He added that Edo State would be used as a pilot for the project, a development he said would result in the deferment of earlier scheduled congresses in the state.

Metuh said the decision to resuscitate the e-registration project was part of the re-engineering efforts to rebuild the party.

He stated, “The National Working Committee, after very wide consultations with critical stakeholders, and in line with the wishes and aspirations of our teeming supporters across the country, has approved the resuscitation of the e-registration project.

“This project, which was initially presented in the 52nd National Executive Committee meeting of our great party on August 12, 2010, is aimed, among other things, at harmonizing our membership data, returning ownership of the party to the people and strengthening our various structures at all levels across the country.

“The NWC believes that the e-registration is indeed a decisive step towards enthroning internal democracy and giving every member a voice in the party.

“While details of the process will be transmitted to our various structures across the nation, the NWC announces that Edo state would be used as la pilot for the exercise.”

Metuh stressed that the earlier scheduled Edo State congress would not hold until the completion of the pilot e-registration exercise in the state.

He said members of the NWC were committed towards ensuring that the control of the party was returned to the people in line with the ideals of the founding fathers, while urging all members to remain focused and continue to work together in furthering the rebuilding effort.