LGs election: PDP group rejects Benue council Boss

A group under the aegis of Concerned Members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Otukpo local government area have staged a protest against the nomination of Mr George Ali as the consensus candidate for the forthcoming local councils elections in Benue state.

The group also rejected the purported endorsement as consensus candidate of Mr Ali, by those it described as self seeking politician who formed themselves as caucus members of Otukpo local government area.

Mr George Ali was elected executive chairman of Otukpo, in 2016, was converted two years later to caretaker chairman after his tenure expired and has remained on seat till date.

But his nomination again to contest as consensus candidate of the PDP, in the area for a second term now seems to be causing some ripples in the party with the group alleging that his nomination was done without due regard to other candidates who were also contesting with him for the selection.

A protest letter signed by leaders of the group, Owoicho Abel Anyebe, Patrick Ogbole and Inalegwu Ogebe, served to Governor Sanuel Ortom weekend, said in as much as consensus candidature was recognised in the party, a candidate could only emerge through a process involving all parties concerned.

The group expressed displeasure over the manner some few members of the party, who constitute themselves into caucus, are trying to destroy the party for their selfish interests.

According to the group, in the last general election similar scenario played out and the PDP lost election in such places.

“In the last general elections, similar scenario played out that almost destroyed the party and led to loss of the House of Representatives seat for Otukpo/Ohimini to APGA and House of Assembly for Otukpo/Akpa to APC.

“A repeat or worse situation should not be allowed as the party is yet to fully recover from it.

“As true lovers of our great party PDP, we do not want anything that will impede or hamper the growth of the party and allow opposition parties to take advantage of again.

“We are therefore appealing to the party leadership to ensure strict adherence to principles that make the party stronger and robust.

Allow all the aspirants to go through the democratic process of nominating candidate, which is primaries, so as to give all a sense of belonging to the family.

“Let environment conducive for a free and fair contest be provided since all the aspirants are eminently qualified,” the group said.