The scheduled ward congresses to pick the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have been thrown into confusion following the rejection of the appointment as the chairman of the ward congress committee by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Makinde, in a letter to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, hinged his decision on late information to his appointment and the adulteration of the list of electoral officers with government officials from Edo and Delta states.
He particularly cited the appointment of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly as the Electoral Officer for his local government.
The withdrawal of Governor Makinde came as nine of the governorship aspirants in a letter to the NWC expressed outrage over the adulteration of the lists of electoral officials with government officials.
The petition by the aspirants was signed by the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama; Anslem Ojezua; and Felix Akhabue.
PDP clears Shaibu, 9 other aspirants for Edo guber primaries
Others who signed the petition were Martin Uhomibhi, Hadizat Umoru, Omosede Igbinedion, Dr Osaro Oaiwu, and Arthure Esene.
The exception was Asue Ighodalo.
In rejecting his appointment, Makinde said he was only informed on Friday, February 2, 2024, of his appointment for the conduct of the ward congresses scheduled to commence between February 3 and 4, 2024.
The governor noted that he had already scheduled activities for those days, saying the late information of his appointment prevented him from rescheduling his activities.
“Our great party is known for conducting very transparent primaries including presidential primaries. This, in my opinion, should be the benchmark for the NWC’s conduct of elections and associated activities across the board,” he said.
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