In preparation for its February 22, 2024 governorship primary in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday conducted its National Delegates Congress across the Local Government Areas in the state.
The exercise it was gathered took place simultaneously across the 18 local government areas of the state except Etsako Central local government were the party expressed concern over security issues..
It would be recalled that the last Sunday PDP Ward ad-hoc congress in Etsako central local government was cancelled following alleged abduction of nine PDP National Electoral Officers who were reported to be on their way to the council area for the conduct of the congress.
The nine PDP electoral officers were allegedly kidnapped at Jattu community, in Etsako West local government.
18 delegates are to be elected across the 18 local governments with one delegate each. With the exception of Etsako central local governments congress.
In Oredo Local Government Area, 35 delegates voted while one was absent.
The congress which was option A4, was conducted by two PDP officials from the National Headquarters, Abuja and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral (INEC) in the presence of security agents.
The PDP officials that conducted the congress are Owolabi Kayode and Farida Umar.
At the end of the exercise, Osaro Idah emerged the elected delegate for the local government. Other two aspirants Martin’s Osakue and Aguebor Sunday were absent.
Owolabi Kayode, who declared Idah, the elected delegate, commended the delegates for conducting in a peaceful manner.
He described the exercise as one of the best, as it was devoid of any rancour.
At Ikpoba Okha local government, Solomon Idehen emerged winner of the local government congress with 28 votes while two other contestants, Mr Johnbul Igbinosu and Mr. Best Imade did not turned up for the election
Speaking with journalists at the Western Boys High School, Yusuf Bukhari, a member of the People Democratic Party (PDP) described the congress as the best ever conducted by the party since 1999.
He said the congress was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the official of the PDP national electoral officers from the national headquarters of the party.
According to him, INEC need to copy the way PDP conduct its delegate so that Nigeria can move forward.
Also at Eghosa grammer school, the designated venue for Egor local government, the exercise was peaceful, as party faithfuls turned out in large numbers to elect their delegates.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police, the Edo State Security network and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were on ground to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
A chieftain of PDP in the area, Mr Festus Omoregbe lauded the delegates election, and described it as the best ever conducted by the party.
