By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Caretaker Committee in Kogi State has officially accepted the results of last Saturday’s election, despite initial calls for its cancellation by other members.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, Honourable Sunday Shigaba, the committee’s spokesman and former Deputy Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, confirmed that the Congress Committee found the election to be free, fair, and credible, adhering to all party requirements.
Shigaba, who represents Dekina/Bassa in the Caretaker Committee, emphasized that the election took place smoothly across all 239 wards.
He acknowledged the support of several committee members, including Hon. Sheidu Ovurevu Abara (Financial Secretary), Hon. Audu Idris (Treasurer), Hon. Ade Tola (Assistant Financial Secretary), and Hon. Joshua Adejoh (Youth Leader).
“The Congress for electing three Ad-hoc delegates per ward was a national working committee assignment empowered by the party’s constitution,” Shigaba explained.
He added:”The caretaker committee or state executive committee’s role was only to observe, not interfere.”
Shigaba noted that the congress committee reported to the state party secretariat in Lokoja and, along with the caretaker members, pledged to organize a fair and credible congress.
“To the best of our knowledge, as witnessed in our various LGAs, the exercise was conducted under the open view of the relevant electoral institutions, and winners validly emerged as delegates.
“We dissociate ourselves from claims by some caretaker committee members attempting to undermine the will of our party’s majority,” Shigaba stated.
Despite some dissenting opinions within the party, Shigaba emphasized that the election should be upheld as it was conducted peacefully and in accordance with party guidelines.
