A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant for the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election, Dr Asue Ighodalo, on Saturday commended the conduct of the party’s National Delegates Congress.
Recall that the PDP National Delegates Congress held across the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State is coming one week after conducting its ward ad-hoc delegates congress.
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the exercise at Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state, the PDP guber aspirant described the conduct of congress as not only peaceful but also seamless and transparent.
Ighodalo maintained that the outcome of the election was a true reflection that the PDP as a party is truly an organised party, hence, he commended the leadership of the party.
He said: “It was a very successful and transparent exercise. It was easy as we had only one aspirant who we all lined up behind. It was totally transparent, and fair.
“It was a perfect exercise, as you (journalists) saw the electoral officers came, INEC was on ground to observe and security agents were also on ground. I believe that the PDP has done very well in this process of delegates congress.
“This was similar to what happened last week at Ward ad-hoc delegates congress of the party. So, I am pleased and happy with the process”, just as he expressed confidence that the PDP governorship primaries scheduled for February 22, will also be transparent, peaceful, fair and seamless.
Speaking in the same vein, the PDP National Electoral Officer in charge of the conduct of the Congress in the Local Government Area, Miss. Queen Ndubuokwu (officer 1) and Hon. Law Biaduo, in their separate remarks, commended the people for their orderly conduct before, during and after the exercise.
The duo also described the election as free and fair, adding that “the people coordinated themselves very fine and everybody was happy at the end of the election”.
At the end of the exercise, Elder Jonny Abhulimen was declared the winner with 29 votes while Mr. Stephen Oriakhi and Barr. Cyril Odiboh were absent and stepped in for the winner.
In Esan Central Local Government Area, Senator Clifford Odia was elected in a unanimous vote winner of the exercise widely viewed as seamless and transparent with 28 votes.
Speaking on the exercise in the Igueben local government area, the council Chairman, Hon. Clement Asuelinme, said that the peaceful exercise was a testament that the party wanted the most credible candidate for the election, which he said Ighodalo represents.