By Adesanya Akanbi, Abeokuta
ABEOKUTA (Sundiata Post) – The Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) to recognise Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele-led executive as authentic party executive in Ogun State.
Senator Makarfi, in a letter made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Sunday, urged both INEC and OGSIEC to accord Ogundele the necessary cooperation ahead of the October 8 local government elections in the state, saying that the court order obtained from Justice Mobolaji Ojo-led State High Court confirmed the authenticity of Ogundele-led PDP Executive in the state.
The action came on the heels of lingering leadership tussle between Ogun PDP factions, which are loyal to Senator Buruji Kashamu and Oladipupo Adebutu, a House of Representatives member. While Kashamu backs Chief Adebayo Dayo-led factional chairman, Adebutu and other prominent chieftains in the party, align with the Ogundele-led executive.
But PDP, in the letter signed by the Secretary, National Caretaker Committee, one Senator Ben Obi, told INEC that the authenticity of the Ogun State Executive Committee was informed by the order of Justice Mobolaji Ojo of the state High Court, just as he referred to the suit No: AB/170/206 between Mr Taofeeq Apesin and nine others vs PDP, INEC and two others to back the party’s position.
The party’s letter partly reads, “Kindly refer to your letter dated 14th June 2016, reference INEC/DEPM/PDP/024/T/37 and be informed that Hon. Justice Mobolaji Ojo of the Ogun State High Court of Justice on the 26th day of May 2016 granted interlocutory orders directing the PDP, Independent National Electoral Commission, the Inspector General of Police and Department of State Services to accord recognition to the Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele led Ogun State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“A copy of the court order and list of the Executives of Ogun State is hereby forwarded for your record and guidance.”
While congratulating OGSIEC on the decision to conduct local government elections, the PDP urged the commission to accept the list of candidates for the poll from Ogundele and members of his executive only.
The party’s letter to OGSIEC titled “Re: 2016 Local Government Election” was signed by both Makarfi and Obi.
It reads, “We congratulate you on behalf of our great part for your decision to conduct Local Government elections in October, 2016.
“Kindly be informed that the list of candidates for the said election will be forwarded to you by our state party Chairman, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele and members of his State Executive Committee. We urged you to accord him the necessary cooperation.”