Chairmanship hullabaloo: Oyo PDP orders primary election

Yinka ADETUNJI

Following failure of consensus arrangement in some local governments in Oyo state over chairmanship candidates’ choice the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has directed that primary elections be held Friday, July 21.

In a statement signed by the state’s party secretary, Wasiu Adeleke, obtained by insightonline.com, the directive becomes imperative in order to meet up with the party’s schedule of activities.

While expressing appreciation to party members for their impressive conduct during the congress Wednesday the statement urged them to further ensure success of the exercise on Friday.

“It is with great pleasure that the Leadership of the Party writes to thank our Party members for the very peaceful manner we conducted ourselves during the Ward Congress that was held yesterday.

“The reports from the field was very impressive and we thank our Party Leaders for their wisdom, maturity and the dexterity used in ensuring that we had a peaceful political process.

“This is to also remind our party members that according to our adjusted schedule of activities, tomorrow 21st of July is the date outlined to elect our Chairmanship Candidates for 2024 Local Government Election.

“We want to implore our party members to cooperate with the leadership of the Party at their respective local government in ensuring that tomorrow’s Primary election exercise is successful

“We also Appeal to our newly elected Delegates to carry out their duties with the fear of God and in the interest of the Party and the nation.”

insightonline.com recalls that in local governments like Ogbomoso North and Ogo-Oluwa, choosing a consensus candidate has become problematic.

In Ogbomoso North a stakeholders’ meeting last week ended in fiasco as supporters who perceived the process as becoming biased against their candidate disrupted the meeting demanding for primary election, hence, it is now a three-horse race involving incumbent council boss, Akanji Kabiru Ayoade, his vice, Adija Aremu and party chairman, George Ogunlade (who had resigned his position) while in Ogo-Oluwa, it is a straight battle between the duo of Seun Ojo (incumbent chairman) and Silas Afolabi (a serving supervisory councilor).

Meanwhile, PDP acting chairman in Ogbomoso North local government, Hamzat Moberi, who was contacted on phone, asked we get back to him “till everything is ascertained.”

Some other party leaders spoken to also are not sure how things would pan out.