James Sowole in Akure
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State wednesday described the August 29 governorship primary election held in Ibadan, Oyo State as a mere scam.
The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Banji Okunomo, stated this in a statement stating that the governorship, primary election held on August 22, 2016 in Akure, that produced Mr. Eyitayo Jegede SAN as its stanadrd bearer is the only authentic exercise.
Okunomo said apart from the fact that the so-called primary election was illegal having been impeded by an Akure High Court, more than 99 per cent of those who participated in the scam were hired into Premier Hotels, Ibadan, venue of the congress, from nearby hubs of hoodlums and touts in the town.
“Section 25 of the PDP constitution clearly stipulates those who are eligible to participate in the state governorship primary election of the PDP.
“All the persons that fall in the various categories making up the governorship primary election congress had already participated in the congress that produced Jegede as the flag bearer of the party.
“These persons cannot be impersonated and their roles in the electoral college cannot be replicated, duplicated or copied in whatever guise,” he said.
Okunomo alleged that Jimoh Ibrahim, the acclaimed candidate of the ‘illegal PDP primary’ is not a member of the PDP from the ward to the state level.
“Jimoh Ibrahim had publicly declared for the Accord Party and is yet to relinquish his membership of the Accord Party at any point in time.
“Also, Ibrahim has not at any point in time followed the procedure necessary to rejoin the party,” he said..
The publicity secretary said the PDP constitution was clear on the process of returning to the party after leaving.
“Cap 2, part 1 of the PDP constitution states that: “A person who desires to join the party after leaving it shall apply to his Ward Secretary for re-admission.
“It is not only illegal for a member of another party to pick the governorship ticket of the PDP but it also amounts to double standard.
“Hence, the Peoples PDP in Ondo State has declared Jimoh Ibrahim a persona non grata,” Okunomo said.
Okunomo called on all genuine members of the party whose minds were hitherto swayed to remain steadfast in the mainstream of the party under the leadership of Mr. Clement Faboyede.
He said all members should join hands to work for the victory of the PDP candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as the next governor of Ondo State..
