Makinde rejects Edo PDP guber screening panel chair

By Stephen Gbadamosi

The scheduled ward congresses to pick the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the next governorship election in Edo State has suffered a setback.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who was appointed as the chairman of the screening committee for the ward congresses, has turned down the appointment.

Makinde, it was learned, said in a letter to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party that he received the information of his appointment too late.

The Oyo governor was reported to have said that he was only informed of the appointment on Friday, February 2, for the ward congresses scheduled for February 3 and February 4.

He said he had already scheduled activities for the period and that it was too late for him to reschedule his official activities for the period.

“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,” Makinde said.

The governor was also said to have complained about the “adulteration of the list of electoral officers with government officials from Edo and Delta states.”

READ ALSO: Mercy Eke finds love again

Sources said Makinde particularly cited the appointment of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly as the Electoral Officer for his local government.

Nine of the Edo governorship aspirants have also echoed Makinde’s position, saying the list of electoral officials released by the party’s leadership was adulterated with Edo State government officials.

The aspirants’ complaints were conveyed in a joint petition addressed to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).

The petition was reportedly signed by the Edo deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

Other aspirants that co signed the petition were Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anslem Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomibhi, Hajia Hadizat Umoru, Ms. Omosede Igbinedion, Dr Osaro Onaiwu and Arthur Esene.

However, another aspirant, Mr Asue Ighodalo, who is believed to have the backing of the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, did not sign the petition.