The scheduled ward congresses to pick the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party have been thrown into confusion following the withdrawal of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as the chairman of the Ward Congress Committee.
Makinde in a letter to the National Working Committee cited late information as to his appointment and even more 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 strongly worded 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 Philip Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anslem Ojezua and Felix Akhabue.
Others who signed the petition were Martin Uhomibhi, Hajia Hadizat Umoru, Ms Omosede Igbinedion, Dr Osaro Oaiwu and Arthure Esene.
The exception was Mr. Asue Ighodalo.
In rejecting his appointment, Governor Makinde said that he was only informed on Friday, February 2, 2024 of his appointment for the conduct of the ward congresses that were scheduled to commence between February 3 and 4 of 2024.
He said that he had already scheduled activities for those days and 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.”
