Senatorial contest: No automatic ticket for Melaye, others ― PDP

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi west senatorial district on Saturday said none of the aspirants vying for the ticket of the party towards the 2019 election would be given automatic slot.

The party said there was the need to guide against impunity and ensure that every contestant is given a sense of belonging.

Those aspiring for the seat include the incumbent, who recently defected to the party, Dino Melaye, the member representing Yagba federal constituency in the house of representatives, Sunday Karimi and his colleague from Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, Tajudeen Yusuf.

Others are a former acting governor of the state, Clarence Olafemi, Tolorunju Faniyi

The party reached the decision at a meeting of its major stakeholders from the senatorial district held at the residence of a former governor of old Oyo state and a member of the board of Trustee of the party, General David Jemibewon (rtd) at Aiyetoro Gbedde, Ijumu local government area of the state.

The stakeholders meeting resolved that a level playing field would however be created for all aspirants to slug it out for the party’s ticket in a free and fair primary.

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The PDP said the decision was taken in the best interest of the party towards discouraging impunity and any action that might create disaffection amongst its members.

The party however urged newly joined members of the party to be ready to participate in a free and fair contest with the older members of the party, saying a level playing field would be created for the primaries.

The PDP advised all it aspirants to be ready to fund their election, warning that no aspirant should expect funds that might not eventually come.

While the PDP appealed to all it aspirants to be of good conduct, it called on them to work and abide by the party’s rules and regulations.

The party also condemned in the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the just concluded Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency bye-election, describing the election as a sham for falling below minimum standard.

It expressed worries at the level of violence during the election, fingered the state government for using political thugs, and security agencies to affect the integrity of the bye-election.

The PDP called on the federal government to put in place machinery that would forestall future occurrence, adding that if such measures are not put in place, people would have no choice but to take laws into their hands.

Some of the major stakeholders at the meeting include Gen. David Jemibewon, BoT Member of the party,  Chief Sam Akande, former deputy governor. Sen. Tunde Ogbeha, Hon. Musa Ahmadu, Shola Akanmode, Chief Abiodun Ojo, Shola Ojo,  Alh Hassan Salahu, Sam Abenemi, PDP Deputy Chairman. Mrs Margret Orebiyi, Bar. Kola Ojo, All Kogi West Zonal Executives, and all the seven Local government areas party chairmen in the Western district amongst several others.