Edo PDP Chair Asks Dissatisfied Aspirants to Seek Redress from Appeal Panel

 The Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, has advised the aspirants who are unhappy with the outcome of the state delegate election to take their case to the appeal panel that will sit on February 7 in Abuja. He said the election was fair and credible, and urged them to avoid making statements that could damage the reputation of the party.

 According to him, nine aspirants, including the current Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, Hafia Hadizat Umoru, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, Dr Earl Osaro Onaiwu and Barr. Arthur Esene, had written a petition to the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, and copied the National Vice Chairman South-South of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, expressing their dissatisfaction with the process and the composition of the electoral committee.

He said the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Ward Congresses Electoral Committee, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, had resigned his position before the election, and was replaced by Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, as the committee chairman, a move that was opposed by the aggrieved aspirants.

He said the party was determined to retain power by winning the governorship election on September 21, and that the party had been inclusive and open to reconciliation.

He said, “The election of the adhoc delegates in Edo State was organised by the National Working Committee in accordance with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the PDP. It was the most organised and transparent election I have witnessed in the party since I joined in 1999. I dare anyone with a different opinion to produce any proof. We printed the register and made sure the election was conducted in 192 wards. The voters had to present their membership and voter cards to participate in the process. We ensured that all the electoral officers arrived at their centres on time and that all the aspirants’ names were announced to guarantee fairness and that they could have been elected if they were present. I appeal to the nine dissatisfied aspirants to take their complaints to the appeal panel led by Dickson Seriaki on February 7 in Abuja and to refrain from utterance that could tarnish the image of the party.”

He said that 563 delegates were elected, but that the election of 31 delegates could not hold at Etsako Central because of the alleged kidnapping of nine electoral officers, who he said, were still missing.

One of the aspirants, Ishiledpoint learnt, said that they would attend the appeal panel to present their case. He said that the decision of the panel would determine their next course of action.

He said, “We will be at the appeal panel on February 7 and lodge our complaint and the decision reached will determine our next course of action.” He said that they would keep their options open when asked if they would seek legal redress.