Jimoh Ibrahim’s Win Still Tentative – Sheriff Declares, As Faction’s Primary Ends In Protest

BEVERLY HILLS, August 29, (THEWILL) – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has declared that the results of its primary for the Ondo governorship election, which was held in Ibadan this morning, remains tentative.

According to a statement signed by Okey Nnaedozie, National Organizing Secretary of the PDP faction, the results remain tentative until approved by the NWC.

“The NWC has received series of serious phone calls and petitions regarding the processes of the primary it ordered for Ondo governorship election, which was held in Ibadan this morning,” the statement read.

“While the result from the exercise is at best tentative, until approved by the NWC, the NWC wishes to assure all aspirants, stakeholders, members and teeming supporters of the party in the state that it will comprehensively review the processes and circumstances of the exercise accordingly.

“This decision is as a result of serious reports claiming that proper accreditation was not done for the exercise.

“The review therefore will enable the NWC take an informed decision on whether to conduct a fresh primary or uphold the result from today's ( August 29th 2016 ) exercise.

“The NWC notes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given political parties up to September 19th to conduct primaries for the Ondo governorship election.

“Finally, the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff assures all aspirants, members and supporters of our great party in Ondo and across the nation that the NWC will come out with the best possible position on this matter.”

The faction moved the election to the Banquet Hall of Premier Hotel, Ibadan, following the inability of the faction to get the State Executive Committee of the party, in Ondo, to host the event because the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, belongs to the rival Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP.

Accreditation of the 801 delegates from the 18 local governments in the state was done by the Alhaji Ahmed Gulak-led electoral committee while the election lasted over two hours.

At the end, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim recorded 502 votes to win the election and defeat other aspirants in the primary such as Mr Olusola Ebiseni, Honourable Bamiduro Dada, Honourable Niran-Sule Akinsuyi and Mrs. Abiye Ademuyegun.

Meanwhile, the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction has already produced Eyitayo Jegede, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State, as its candidate.

Story by David Oputah