The Ahmed Makarfi faction of Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will today hold its governorship primary election, ahead of the November 26 poll.
The venue of the factional primary is the International Event Centre (The Dome) on Igbatoro road, Akure, the state capital.
Many contestants, including the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) – rumoured to be favoured by Governor Olusegun Mimiko – and the former Special Adviser to the governor, Saka Lawal, are in the race.
Eight hundred and forty delegates are expected to vote at the primary.
They include three ad hoc delegates per ward elected on August 18 in the 203 wards – totalling 609.
They will be joined by those who are automatic delegates by virtue of their present or past positions in compliance with the PDP’s constitution.
The faction’s spokesman, Banji Okunomo, assured the people that the primary would be hitch-free.
The Sheriff’s faction has rescheduled its primary for next Tuesday.
A statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Yemi Akintomide, said: “The PDP Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, and members of the state Exco regret the inconveniences with the shift in the date of its primary. But it is for the benefit and smooth-running of the party.”
The statement urged the delegates to keep to the new date.
Also yesterday, Lawal debunked rumours that the governor paid N13 million for his nomination form.
He described the allegation as the handiwork of his political detractors who were threatened by his popularity.
The former Special Adviser to Mimiko said: “If at my age and my sojourn in life up to this stage, I will still rely on someone to run for governorship that will be ridiculous.
“The last time I met Mimiko was around June when I with six others visited his office to intimate him of my intention to run for governor and it is an open forum, where nothing exchanged hands.
“It was the exact date that the nomination fee for governorship race in Edo was announced that I paid N16 million on a fixed account for the form, and fortunately, it was eventually reduced to N13 million.”
On his chances to get the ticket, Lawal said: “It will be like the biblical fight between Goliath and David. My adoption rests on over 800 delegates and God with who power resides; he makes kings and dethrones kings.”
He contended that Mimiko as PDP leader has the right to endorse as an individual who has vote, urging the delegates to vote with their conscience.
According to him, the PDP lost in some states during the 2015 elections because wrong candidates were picked. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com