…as nine aspirants petition NWC
Ben peters, Abuja
Nine aspirants contesting for the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party governorship in Edo State have petitioned the National Chairman of the party over a conflicting list of the 3-Ad-Hoc delegate committee.
The petition signed by nine out of the ten aspirants titled,”RE: EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY: COMMITTEES AND OFFICIALS FOR THE WARD CONGRESSES” states as follows :
“Pursuant to our earlier letter dated the 30th of January 2024, we wish to appreciate your Excellency and the National Working Committee for the prompt response to the issues raised therein.
“However, we have seen a copy of the letter which you wrote to the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) giving the statutory notice of the Gubernatorial Primary Elections in Edo State duly signed by your good self and Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary.
“We have also seen two lists of the composition of the Edo State 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Congresses Electoral Committee and two lists of the Ward Congress Electoral Officers and a list of LGA Monitoring Officers.
“With regard to the notice to INEC, we humbly observe that it lacks legitimacy because it was signed by an acting National Secretary when we have a substantive National Secretary in office. This falls short of the statutory requirement contained in the Electoral Act.
“Furthermore, we are confronted by two lists of the Edo State 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Congresses Electoral Committee. The only similarity between them is that the Chairman is H. E. Engr. Seyi Makinde; the composition is different. We do not know which one is the authentic one duly approved by the National Working Committee.
“In addition, and equally important is the three lists currently in circulation as officers of the Party duly appointed to officiate at the Congresses. The first one is the purported list of Ward Congresses Electoral Officers.
“Yet another list is in circulation which purports to be a list of officers posted as LGA Monitoring officers comprising of three members.
“However, we have also seen another list of “Updated Edo Ward Congress Electoral Officers” which is the only list completely free of adulteration.
“The first two lists are suspect as they contain names of Government officials in Edc State. This is contrary to the agreement we had with you and the NWC and we have raised the issue with the Chairman of the Edo State 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Congresses Electoral Committee, His Excellency, Gov Seyi Makinde.
“We believe we have raised very grave and fundamental issues here deserving of your urgent attention and we urge you to do that which is right and just, as you have promised.
“Always remember that the interest of the Party is paramount.
“We thank you for kind consideration and usual attention.”
The petition was signed by H.E. Rt Mon Philip Shaibu, Anselm U. Ojezua, Rt Hon Omoregie Ogbeide, Hon Felix Akhbue,bMartin Uhomoibh, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, Barr. Arthur Esene, Hara Hadizat Umoru Dr Earl Osaro Onaiwu and copied Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman (South-South).