Secondus emerges Vice-Chairman of PDP faction

Mr Uche Secondus has emerged as Deputy National Chairman of the second faction of Nigeria’s ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan at the convention held in Eagle Square, Abuja.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had led a powerful group of eight governors out of the convention today, along with members of the National Assembly to form a parallel PDP, with officers already appointed.

Secondus got 2,241 votes out of 3,500 votes cast to secure the position. He will serve with Bamanga Tukur, who is the chairman of this faction of PDP.

Secondus had contested the position with Mr Opusunji Silva, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, Mrs Omu Unuezi, Mr Isibor Peter and Chief Jerome Eke.

The convention was necessitated by an Abuja High Court ruling on July 25.

The court voided the party’s National Convention that brought in some members of its National Working Committee (NWC) in March 2012.

The court based its ruling on an INEC report which faulted the election of eight of the 12 members of the NWC.

The officers affected by the ruling later resigned.

Mr Olisa Metuh, one of the officers affected by the ruling, re-emerged as the party`s National Publicity Secretary with I,956 votes.

Other contestants for the post were: Dr Caro Nwosu, Chief Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Mr Offodile Chudi, Mr Anyanwu Nzennata, Mr Aroh Muo and Mr Nwabuona Antony.

Mr Victor Kwon, also affected by the court ruling, was returned unopposed as the party`s National Legal Adviser.

Mrs Kema Chikwe, former member of the NWC, polled 2,011 votes to emerge National Woman Leader which she contested with nine other women.

Mrs Ullam Hanatu, who got 2,154 in spite of being the lone candidate, would serve as Chikwe’s deputy.

Mr Nnaedozie Okechukwu emerged as Deputy National Organising Secretary with 2,226 while Mr Solomon Owen polled 2,051 to become the new Deputy National Secretary.

Alhaji Lawal Anche, also a lone contender, got 2,221 votes to become the party`s Deputy National Auditor.

The position of National Secretary was however not contested for because of the pending court case instituted against the party by its former National Secretary, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Oyinlola went to an Oshogbo High Court to challenge his removal from office by a Federal High Court.

Other positions contested for at the Special Convention were: National Treasurer, National Youth Leader and the deputies of the winners of the earlier mentioned positions.

Prof. Jerry Gana, the Chairman, Special National Convention Committee and Sen. Ike Ekweremandu, the Secretary of the committee, said the exercise was transparent.

A cross section of delegates and party members who spoke to NAN also commended the organisation of the convention, which they said was peaceful, orderly and transparent.

Mrs Saka Shera, an observer from Yobe, said security agencies should be commended for ensuring a hitch-free convention.

NAN also reports that former Senate President, Ken Nnamani was the Chairman of the Special Convention Election Committee. (NAN)