…Obaseki says Gov Makinde’s withdrawal doesn’t discredit process
…Electoral c’ttee chair okays congress, satisfied with conduct
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the conduct of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 3 Ad-hoc Ward Congresses for election of delegates for the 2024 governorship primary election, but opposition within the party disagree.
According to Obaseki, the conduct of the ad-hoc ward congresses across the State was peaceful and credible which further demonstrates that the PDP is a well-organized political party.
Obaseki spoke while addressing journalists after three delegates emerged winners at the PDP Ward Congress election in Ward 4 of Oredo Local Government Area.
He said, “Clearly from the turnout, it shows that our people are interested in this election. This is my ward, ward 4. There were 10 nominations to represent us as delegates in the primary elections to select the flagbearer for our party for the September 21st 2024 governorship election.
“Three of the delegates presented themselves this morning. This crowd is not rented but they are PDP members and the turnout is credible and very impressive and they know the people they are sending to represent them and make the decision of electing the candidate that will carry the party’s flag at the Edo State governorship election this year.
“PDP is the best organized party in Nigeria in terms of administration, you can’t beat PDP. I have been in two political parties so I know what I am saying. The party has laid down processes and followed the constitution clearly.
“For this delegate election, the laid down rules are being followed. I am impressed with the conduct of this exercise. Members of the working Committee came on time with their materials.
“The same exercise has taken place in all the 192 wards in the State. I am impressed with what has happened today and not all will be happy with the process and may want to bring down the party.
On the issue of Governor Seyi Makinde’s resignation, governor Obaseki said, “We have three governors involved in the exercise and one withdrawing doesn’t discredit the process. Makinde’s withdrawal doesn’t discredit the process. What makes the process credible is the quality of the participation. I hope that our efforts to unify the party continue and we ensure that the PDP plays its role in the politics of this country.”
“The purported PDP crisis is hyped but on ground it is not as they want us to believe,” the governor added.
On his part, the Enugu State Governor and Chairman, Edo State 3 Ad-hoc Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Mr. Peter Mbah said PDP is a party known for fairness, equity and justice, noting that the exercise was peaceful.
The governor who went round venues of the delegate election to monitor the exercise said the party has in the past conducted national primary and conducting delegate congress should not be a problem.
“People have been asked to come out and exercise their franchise. We are happy with what we have seen here at George Ida Primary school and hope it’s a reflection of what is going on across the State,” he said.
Also, Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha who voted in Oredo Ward 2, said the crowd is huge and it shows that PDP is a united party and a party to beat.
He noted, “PDP is a formidable party to beat in any election in Edo State. Everything has been conducted in a very transparent manner and three delegates have emerged from Oredo ward 2 to represent us.”
The delegates elected to represent ward 4, Oredo Local Government Area include Efosa Viola who scored 148 votes, Alabi Godwin, who polled 232 and Wilson Evbuowman got 219 votes.
Makinde, Legacy Group Boycott PDP Delegate Election
But the exercise seems to have plunged state ruling party into further crisis as the Chairman of the three-man committee, Governor Seyi Makinde, who conducted the party’s state delegate election resigned from the position, according to report by Punch.
Also, nine aspirants out of the 11 that would participate in the February 22 primary election were said to have boycotted the election which took place all over the state on Sunday.
The nine aspirants in their letter to the acting National Chairman, Umar Illiya, and copied to the National Vice Chairman South-South of the party, Chief Dan Orbih protested the process and compositions of those to conduct the delegates election.
The petition was signed by Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, Hafia Hadizat Umoru, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, Dr. Earl Osaro Onaiwu, and Barr. Arthur Esene.
The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah who is said to be the deputy chairman was present in the state to conduct the primary where he commended the large turnout of members of the party.
Speaking to party faithful at the George Idah Primary School, GRA, Benin, the collation centre for Ward 2, Mbah said, “This is a democracy where our people come to exercise their franchise. We appreciate this turnout, our party is known for the principles of fairness, equity, and justice. I wish you to all conduct yourselves properly as we hold this election.”
