On Thursday, the ruling All Progressives Congress officially launched the officials who will be overseeing the upcoming Ondo governorship primary election scheduled for April 20.
Prior to this, NewsNow had reported that the seven-member Primary Election Committee, tasked with conducting the shadow poll, would be led by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, with former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, serving as the Secretary.
Additional members of the committee include former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Iyiola Oladokun; Senator Lekan Mustapha, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso; Margaret Duru; and Dr. Sani Danjuma.
The committee has been given the responsibility of organizing a direct primary in all 18 local government areas of the state to select the party’s flag bearer for the upcoming November 2024 governorship election.
Furthermore, another five-man committee has been sworn in by the ruling party to handle post-election appeals and complaints.
The appeal committee is led by former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, with Chief Obiocha Israel as the Secretary.
Other members of this committee are Edo lawmaker Patrick Obahiagbo, Jamilu Isiyiaka Gwamna, and Chief Onyeka Okafor.
Despite this, Ododo was conspicuously absent from the swearing-in ceremony, which commenced at approximately 5:30 pm.
The governor, who notably intervened during the siege on his predecessor, Yahaya Bello’s Abuja residence by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was represented by his deputy, Salifu Oyibo.
Citing ‘security challenges’ as the reason for his boss’ absence, Oyibo, however, ensured everyone that the governor would be present in Ondo State for the assignment.
He stated, “I am present here on behalf of my governor and the executive governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, who couldn’t make it down here today due to security challenges, which as he already informed you about. I am here as we don’t want this place to be empty as usual.
“While accepting this responsibility, he told me, ‘Any task coming from the number one party member must not be left undone.’ That includes the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, yourself as the national party chairman, and the party which holds the supreme authority. Any task assigned by these individuals must be undertaken by him.
“On that note, he has instructed me to inform all present that he is ready to collaborate with the committee members to select the best candidate for the Ondo governorship election. He has also pledged to adhere to the principles, doctrines, and constitution of our esteemed party.”