Edo 2016: Modu-Sheriff Parallel Governorship Primary Stalled

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, June 29th, 2016

EDO, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Ali Modu-Sheriff faction of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo State Governorship primary Wednesday suffered a setback as the Policemen locked and cordoned the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the venue of the exercise.

Sequel to the development, factional party stalwarts, party officials and aspirants were prevented from gaining entrance into the Stadium in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Edo State Commissioner of Police (CP) Chris Eziken, when informed about the situation reportedly said: “I am not the Independent National Electoral Commission”.

He was also quoted as saying it was too early to confirm if the primary will eventually hold or not.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Sam Olumekun also declined comment and said only the National headquarters of the body could comment on the situation.

It would be recalled the Ahmed Makarfi faction of PDP conducted its primary about two weeks ago in Benin. Former Secretary to the State Government Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu emerged the winner.

The controversial PDP National Chairman – Modu-Sheriff has since vowed not to recognize the exercise, hence the resolve to conduct a parallel primary for the September 2016 election.