Makarfi writes INEC, OGSIEC on Ogun PDP exco

The Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has written a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), to recognise the Sikirullahi Ogundele-led executive.

Makarfi, in two different letters dated July 14, 2016, addressed to the INEC Secretary in Abuja and the OGSIEC chairman, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, in respect of the local government elections billed for October 8, directed the electoral bodies to recognise Ogundele as the chairman of PDP in the state, saying the authenticity of the Ogundele-led was supported by the order of the state High Court by Justice Mobolaji Ojo.

The party, in the state, as a matter of fact, has three different chairmen because of the lingering crisis rocking it, bothering on leadership tussle.

While the Senator representing Ogun East, Prince Buruji Kashamu backed the Chief Bayo Dayo exco, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole is in support of Chief Wale Egunleti’s executive and a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu is backing Ogundele’s exco.

The letters signed by the party’s National Secretary, Mr Ben Obi, said the party’s position was based on suit No: AB/170/206 between Mr Taofeeq Apesin and nine others vs PDP, INEC and two others to back the party’s position.

He urged OGSIEC to accept the list of candidates from the Ogundele-led executive.

The party’s letter partly reads, “Kindly refer to your letter dated 14 June 2016, reference INEC/DEPM/PDP/024/T/37 and be informed that Hon Justice Mobolaji Ojo of the Ogun State High Court of Justice on May 26, 2016 granted interlocutory orders directing the PDP, Independent National Electoral Commission, the Inspector General of Police and Department of State Services to accord recognition to the Hon Sikirulai Ogundele led Ogun State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“A copy of the court order and list of the Executives of Ogun State is hereby forwarded for your record and guidance.”

While the party’s letter to OGSIEC titled “Re: 2016 Local Government Election” was signed by both Makarfi and Obi, reads, “We congratulate you on behalf of our great party for your decision to conduct local government elections in October 2016.

“Kindly be informed that the list of candidates for the said election will be forwarded to you by our state party Chairman, Hon Sikirulai Ogundele and members of his State Executive Committee. We urge you to accord him the necessary cooperation.”