The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship contests across the country resurfaced on Monday and indeed worsened in Cross River State, with the leading contender, Prince Goddy Jedy Agba opting out of the governorship primary election.
The aspirant in a statement issued in Calabar by his media consultant, Phrank Shaibu said that his withdrawal was hinged on the grounds that the delegates’ congress list was fraught with irregularities.
“The party has confirmed our initial suspicion and fears that they were desperately committed to excluding Prince Goddy Jedy Agba from all democratic processes leading up the fulfillment of his gubernatorial ambition.”
“From the initial proclamation that he was not a member of the party to the cancellation of the November 1st ad hoc delegate congress, his purported suspension from the party and now, the mutilation of the delegates list, it is doubtful that the playing field for the intended Cross River State PDP Governorship primaries would be sufficiently balanced, rather it is likely to lean in favour of the outgoing state Governor’s purported choice of candidate.
“Anyone, that understands Nigerian politics a little should know how important it is for an incumbent State Governor to see that his successor covers his tracks.
“However, this should not be a crucial role for the PDP’s appointed panel in redefining how a democratic process of electing the next governor of a State in a civilized society should be.
“Otherwise, if allowed, it will amount to deprivation and oppression of the electorate. In turn, this may bring about chaos and active or passive rebellion by many people.
“Even when one does not feel a sense of worry for the PDP if it loses Cross River State to another Party in the governorship and general elections, it is time our political leaders learnt how to take decisions that would build our democracy than destroy it.
“Democracy is about more than holding elections. A real and true democracy should reflect the will of the people.” Shaibu stated.
In Minna, Niger State capital, a front line aspirant, Senator Nuhu Aliyu withdrew from race barely three hours to the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary.
He told journalists that his decision was borne out of lack of level playing ground for all the aspirants, accusing the state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and the party of imposing a candidate on the party.
“Despite repeated denials even when some elders led by former Governor A.A Kure met with him (Gov. Aliyu), the governor is still going ahead to impose a candidate on us. It has never happened before. I have my fears for our party and our state.”
The retired deputy inspector general of police also faulted the inability of the party to give direction on who governs the state, saying it is not showing interest on the calibre and competence of who emerges as the party’s standard bearer.
He debunked claimed that he was forced to withdraw from the race, saying, “it is not true that I was boxed to submission. I used my judgment and withdrawn based on my conviction that the step taken was right.”
In Ogun State, a faction of the party led by Kashamu Buruji proceeded with the election despite the decision of the party’s National Working Committee’s decision to cancel it.
Only three of the aspirants were present at the primary largely boycotted by many party bigwigs as well as officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
In Lagos, the primary got to a riotous beginning when alleged political thugs swooped on delegated and had to be dispersed by gun-wielding security personnel’
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