'INEC didn't endorse any PDP candidate in Edo polls' - factional Chairman

dimeji akinloye

July 14, 2016 4:27 AM

However, Makarfi has said the caretaker committee is still open to dialogue with the aggrieved Sheriff-led group in the interest of peace.

Ali Modu Sheriff

The embattled Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

Speaking to a youth group, Young Professionals, which paid solidarity visit to Sheriff, the former National Vice Chairman of PDP (South-South), Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh, said Sheriff's faction remains the true leadership of the PDP, adding that the report of INEC’s recognition of the Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee of the party was a mere rumour.

“We hear a rumour making rounds that INEC has accepted another person as candidate of the PDP for the September 10 Edo State governorship election," Ojuogboh said.

“I hereby dispel the rumour and categorically state that INEC has not yet communicated to us. INEC is still considering all judgments and orders of the court.”

Flanked by the former presidential aide, Ali Ahmed Gulak, ex-vice chairman said further that their candidate, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, will carry on with his campaign to contest for the governorship election.

Ojuogboh said: “As we speak, the orders of the federal high court in Abuja specifically asked INEC to recognise only candidates presented by Sheriff as national chairman of the party.

“The court in Port Harcourt is not superior to the court in Abuja. And as such, cannot reverse the specific orders of the Abuja court ruling that INEC can only accept PDP candidates from Sheriff leadership for purposes of Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

“In view of the above, I call on all our PDP members to remain calm as we call on our candidate, Mathew, to go ahead and campaign vigorously and seriously to win the election in Edo State.”

READ: 'Buruji Kashamu not my godfather' - Ali Modu Sheriff

He also said the committee is making efforts to deliver on its mandate as quick as possible, as it is considering the possibility of fixing a fresh national convention within the next 90 days.

dimeji akinloye