21st February, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has concluded arrangements for the primary election to choose its candidate for the September 2024 Edo governorship election.
The primary, slated for tomorrow Thursday, 22 February, 2024 will be held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The primary will commence at about 11 am, amidst stringent guidelines expected to be strictly followed by party officials and all accredited delegates and observers.
According to a statement by the party’s State Organising Secretary, Tony Anenih (Jnr.), delegates are expected to gather at the Edo Hotel Marque, GRA, Benin City, where their accreditation process will commence at 8 am prompt.
Anenih added that only delegates, guests, and aspirants will be permitted inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during the primary. He added that all concerned parties must be seated by 11 am.
Besides, journalists and civil society organizations will also be accredited for the election at the Marque, even as only accredited press personnel and media outfits will gain access to the primary venue.
The statement noted that the delegate will receive security access cards upon successful accreditation, ensuring a secure and controlled entry process.
To facilitate the smooth transportation of delegates, dedicated busses duly designated for that purpose will convey them to the venue of the election.
There would be a strict prohibition on private vehicles into the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Besides all governorship aspirants are expected to collect two security tags from the Edo PDP Secretariat, Airport Road, Benin City, each allowing entry for one guest.
They are also expected to utilize specified vehicles that will drop them and their guests at the main entrance gate to the stadium, and depart immediately.
Accredited delegates will be seated in the stadium based on their respective local government areas.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has charged the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prioritize the safety and security of accredited journalists assigned to cover and report their respective activities.
The State Chairman of the Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe have the charge in a statement on Wednesday.
He said this appeal stems from the recognition of journalists as the fourth estate of the realm, dedicated to impartially keep watch the society and so, should be safeguarded against any potential harm during their coverage.
“We earnestly request the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take necessary measures to ensure the physical and emotional safety of journalists during the events.
“The Union urges its members who have not received invitations to any of the locations to reach out to the publicity secretary of the various political parties named above. This is crucial for their safety and to maintain the integrity of journalism as an unbiased and objective profession,” Alenkhe said.