The sorting of ballot papers at the governorship primary of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State was stalled after voting
ended following alleged introduction of fresh 17 names after delegates
had voted.
The allegation sparked fresh crisis as many of the aspirants insisted
the names were strange to them.
The sorting was delayed for more than one hour after voting ended
around 8: 45 pm in the primary at the International Event Centre
(DOME) in Akure, the state capital.
The Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led Committee went to a closed-door
meeting for over 30 minutes and came out without declaring what to do
with the list.
It was gathered that the list contained names of former local government
chairmen of the party who defected and later returned.
Some aspirants insisted the people have not properly rejoined the PDP.
The sorting of ballot papers however commenced in a contest that is
shaped to be between the deputy governor of the state, Hon. Agboola
Ajayi and the candidate of the party in the 2016 governorship
election, Eyitayo Jegede(SAN).
Meanwhile, no fewer than 2,111 delegates voted for the aspirants
of their choice in the primary.
Also, eight aspirants, including Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi,
Ayorinde Bode, Ebiseni Sola, Eyitayo Jegede, Kunlere Boluwaji, Okunomo
Banji Ben, Olafeso Eddy, and Godday Erewa were cleared to contest at
the primary.
Delegates had a hectic time getting through the entrance gate as they
had to be properly identified.
Chairman of the Primary Committee and Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi
Ugwuanyi, who arrived at the venue at about 1:30 pm, assured the
exercise would be free and fair.
