PDP Primary Election Disrupted by Delegate List Disagreements and Allegations of Manipulation in Ogun State

Strategic Insights -

The primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Ogun State House of Assembly and House of Representatives was marred by disagreements on delegate lists and allegations of manipulation, particularly in Abeokuta, the state capital. The exercise, scheduled to start at 10am, was delayed until 7pm due to the disputes, and in some cases, it did not take place at all. Adequate security arrangements were provided by security agencies, but the PDP officials were either absent or involved in disagreements over the delegate lists. The situation led to a free-for-all among supporters of the aspirants at one of the venues.

Key Takeaways:

  • 4 centres designated for the primary election in Abeokuta North and South Local Governments and Odeda LG did not hold the exercise due to delegate list disagreements and allegations of manipulation.
  • At Ogboni Ijeja, the PDP primary election official, Abimbola Ademuyiwa, said there was a disagreement among party members, which almost resulted in a free-for-all among supporters of the aspirants.
  • Only 24 delegates were expected to vote for one of the three aspirants at Ogboni Ijeja, but the disagreement caused a delay.
  • The situation was the same at the Centenary Hall, Ake, venue of the primary for Abeokuta I.
  • In Odeda Local Government, the primary could not hold at Eweje Town because the name of one of the four aspirants was missing on the ballot.
  • The House of Representatives primary for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency was yet to commence as at 7p.m.
  • Party supporters, delegates, and leaders gathered at the State party Secretariat around NNPC Junction to deliberate on the way forward for the exercise by 7p.m.

Statistics:

  • 4 centres failed to hold the primary election.
  • 24 delegates were expected to vote for one of the three aspirants at Ogboni Ijeja.
  • 4 aspirants were contesting in the primary election.
  • 7p.m. was the time when the situation was reported at the State party Secretariat.

Sources:

  • No specific source is mentioned in the original text.