Ali Modu Sheriff

Factional Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff on Thursday declared as “null and void” the primary election conducted by Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led committee, which produced Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the governorship candidate of the party for Edo state.

The factional chairman of PDP who claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC did not monitor the election told journalists that his faction will begin a new process that will involve three aspirants who have already obtained nomination forms for a fee of N10 million each.

Sheriff inaugurated a committee headed by a serving senator, Hope Uzodinma with a former presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak as the secretary to conduct the new primary.

The former Borno Governor also said he would soon convene the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to ratify the candidature of the winner of the Edo primary election to be conducted by the Uzodinma committee.

“After that, we will forward the name of our governorship candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the July 10 deadline set by the commission for the submission of candidates”, he said.

The factional PDP Chairman also slammed Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State over claims that he  was scheming for the 2019 presidential ticket of the party.

“I am ashamed at the way and manner Fayose is conducting himself in the country. I was once a governor so I know that the position of governor is a very serious one that demands responsible behavior,” said the former Borno State Governor who denied accusations that he is scheming for the presidential ticket of PDP.

“I never told anybody I wanted to run for president and I did not promise anybody the vice presidential ticket. I have decided not to join issues with Fayose”.

Sheriff who insisted that he was the only chairman of the party presented documents to show that the National Working Committee, NWC loyal to him are in control  of the bank accounts of the PDP, and not the  Makarfi led caretaker committee.

“Myself and the Treasurer who is also a member of the NWC are signatories to the bank accounts of the PDP. Makarfi may also open another account in the name of his caretaker committee if he wished”, Sheriff said.

“There is only one PDP, which is the one under my leadership. Anyone who thinks that the Makarfi contraption can work is deceiving himself. I am the only chairman of the PDP recognised by the courts, the constitution and the Electoral Act.

“I became chairman because the PDP chose me to lead the party. So I won’t sit by and watch some people mess up the party. I am here to correct what had gone wrong with state congresses conducted by the party”.

Those present with Sheriff at the occasion Senator Buruji Kashamu,  Mrs. Mariam Ali,  former Imo state Governor, Ikedi Ohakim; former PDP vice chairman (South-South), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; PDP Southwest zonal chairman, Makanjuola Ogundipe; a former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Kasim Gbolarunmi; Senator Saidu Kumo; Mrs. Esther Audu.

The others were Prof. Wale Oladipo and Fatai Adeyanju who are still laying claim to the position National Secretary and National Auditor of the party respectively.