By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slated 25th April for the conduct of its Ondo State governorship primaries.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ondo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei in Akure, the state capital today.
According to him, the National Working Committee (NWC) approved the resolution of the State Executive Committee of the party to zone the 2024 gubernatorial ticket to Ondo South Senatorial District.
He stressed that the Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms will commence on 7th March till 21st March, 2024.
His words:”The Gubernatorial primary is scheduled to hold on 25th April, 2024. Speaking earlier, Acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Damagum assured all stakeholders that, the party primary will be transparent and credible. The party will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants.
“Ahead of 16th November, 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have started to close ranks.
“In a rare show of comradeship and togetherness at a stakeholders meeting, held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, 5th March, 2024, leaders of the party have resolved to put the past behind them and work assiduously for victory at the polls.
“The meeting convened by the National Working Committee (NWC) to interface with critical stakeholders in the state is part of the processes leading to the nomination of a standard bearer for the party.
“For the first time in a long while, all tendencies in the party attended the meeting and expressed their willingness to work together in the interest of the party.
“Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Balogun Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, Ambassador Roland Omowa, Chief Segun Adegoke, Acting Chairman, PDP Ondo State, Tola Alabere, members of State Working Committee and all Governorship aspirants were amongst dignitaries that attended the meeting”, he noted
However, Peretei in a separate statement titled:”
Ondo Guber: Clarification on Zoning oF PDP Ticket stated that iIt has become necessary to clarify the issues surrounding the alleged zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial ticket to Ondo South Senatorial District.
“Whereas the State Working Committee (SWC), State Executive Committee and State Caucus approved the zoning, the National Working Committee, which is the final authority under the Constitution of the PDP is yet to take any decision on the matter.
“The Acting National Chairman, Amb.Umar Damagum in his concluding remarks at the Stakeholders meeting said “another meeting will be summoned soon with leaders of Ondo State PDP to further deliberate on issues relating to the affairs of the Party in the State.
“We urge all members of our Party to remain united and focused on the task ahead,” he added