Ondo Guber: No Decision on Zoning Yet, Says PDP NWC

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Preparatory to the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wednesday, said no decision had been taken on where to zone the governorship office.
At the same time, the party leadership has approved a special meeting of party leaders, comprising Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, top leaders from Ondo State and the NWC to further ensure reconciliation and unity among stakeholders in the state.
Similarly, the PDP National Working Committee (NEC), has approved the composition of Kano and Kogi States Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of their respective chapters for a period not exceeding 90 days.

One of the PDP aspirants in the Ondo governorship poll, Bamidele Akingboye, had tasked the leadership of the party to zone its ticket to Ondo South.
The most popular sentiment in the state has suggested that all the political parties in the state should pick their governorship candidates from Ondo South.
Addressing newsmen shortly after a two-hour meeting with the PDP NWC, the aspirants disclosed that the leadership impasse in the state has been resolved.
Akingboye said, “I believe the problem in Ondo State has been solved. The issues with party leadership have been resolved, and we are ready to return home.
“I am from the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State, precisely Okiti Pupa, the town that has consistently delivered PDP victories since ’99, and we will continue to do so in the next election.”

But the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement that the party thoroughly considered submissions at the meeting with critical stakeholders from Ondo State.
He said party resolved that, “The NWC clarifies that the party has not zoned its ticket for the November 16, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State to any part or area of the State.”

Ologunagba said the NWC approved the convening of a special meeting of party leaders comprising Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, top Party leaders from Ondo State and the NWC to further ensure reconciliation and unity among party  stakeholders in the State.
He said the NWC commended the party stakeholders from Ondo State for their openness and commitment towards the stability and success of the party in the forthcoming governorship election.
The NWC, he further said, assured them that the nomination process and activities leading to the governorship election would be all-inclusive, free, fair and transparent in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Party Guideline for the Election.

The NWC assured all intending governorship hopefuls and members of the party in Ondo of a level playing ground in all the party activities leading to the election in accordance with the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Party Guideline for the Election.
On the Kano and Kogi caretaker committees, Ologunagba, in another statement disclosed that the action was carried out on behalf of the National Executive Committee, pursuant to the provisions of the party Constitution.
Members of the Kano State PDP Caretaker Committee appointed were Alhaji Mai Adamu Mustapha – Chairman, and Baba Lawal Aliyu – Secretary.

Other members included Ibrahim A. Dan’Iya, Prof. Muntari Y. Banana, Hon. Aminu A. Jingau, Barr. Habibu Adamu, Auwalu Ibrahim Dan’Zubuwa, Abubakar Gwarmai, Kabiru Bello Dandago, Haj. Ladidi Dan’Galan, and Auwalu Mukhtar Maibiscuit.

Those appointed to lead the Kogi Chapter for the stipulated time were Senator Danjuma La’ah – Chairman and Sen. Phillip Gyunka – Secretary.

Others were Hon. Joshua Adejoh, Hon. Sunday Shigaba, Paul Ukwenya, Hon. Gabriel Olorunnipa, Hon. Mo Sule, Chief Dayo Akande, Hon. Tola Ade, Audu Idris, Sheidu O. Abara, Bilikisu Onusaga, Abiola Olajubu, and Grace Atawodi.

The NWC urged all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of PDP in Kano and Kogi States to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party in the State.