Former senior military officer, senior civil servant and senior FijiFirst Minister, Pio Tikoduadua is highly likely to play a significant role in the National Federation Party in next year’s general election.
Tikoduadua could even take up the NFP President’s post left vacant after the resignation of Tupou Draunidalo.
When questioned by Fijivillage on whether Tikoduadua is being eyed as the next President, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says Tikoduadua can definitely play a significant role in NFP but the party will decide through the processes in place.
When asked on NFP’s stand on not supporting any coup and Pio Tikoduadua being part of the military set up after the 2006 coup and taking up senior positions, Professor Prasad said that Tikoduadua was not in the country during the coup.
Professor Prasad also says that Tikoduadua was part of the civil service during the abrogation of the constitution in 2009 and he just had to continue working.
Meanwhile Professor Prasad says he cannot confirm at this stage on whether Tikoduadua will contest the election under the NFP banner as the candidates will be selected according to the party’s criteria and processes.