Mimiko: Ondo PDP, National Exco Disagree

JETHRO IBILEKE/Akure

The result of the Ondo state governorship election declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has set the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the the state chapter of the party.

Following the declaration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko as winner of the election, the national leadership of the party accepted the result and congratulated Mimiko on his re-election,

The state chapter of the party has however been singing a different tune on the declaration of Mimiko as winner of the election.

The state chapter said “provisionally, we declare that this election was marred by irregularities and if after our findings, we discover that the extent is massive, we will certainly seek redress at the Election Petition Tribunal.”

However, a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh said the party commended the people of Ondo state for what it termed “their emphatic rejection of tribalism and narrow political adventurism” which it said were the hallmark of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) campaign in the just concluded election.

The statement also commended its flag bearer, Olusola Oke, for his courage, determination and doggedness, adding that “though the PDP was not declared winner of the election, the party was happy with the performance of its candidate who obviously joined the race late.

“How better do Nigerians say no to the drumbeat of tribalism and political narrowness than what the people of Ondo state has done with their votes? It is a quantum of forward leap for those who understand the dangers of undue manipulation of national diversity for narrow political whims and huge set back,utter rejection for the champions of ethnic politics.”

The national leadership of PDP also commended INEC and security agencies for a job well done, and urged them to learn from the loopholes in the election with a view to improving on future elections in Nigeria.

A statement by the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Ayo Fadaka, however said the party would set up a committee to study the entire process of the elections and the result declared by INEC after which it’s position would be made known.

“We have taken due cognizance of the results of the 20th October elections and our immediate reaction is that the Party will set up a team of professional investigators to understudy the conduct of the elections and make their reports available within fifteen days after which the Party will now take a decision on its next line of action,” the statement added.