By Milcah Tanimu
In a recent development, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken the initiative to form ward caretaker committees in Edo State. As communicated in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, this decision aligns with the provisions of the amended 2017 PDP Constitution.
The newly formed Edo State Ward Caretaker Committees are granted a mandate to operate for a designated period of 30 days, effective from February 1, 2024. Ologunagba emphasized that this step was prompted by the conclusion of the tenure of the existing Edo State Ward Executive Committees on the same day.
To ensure a seamless transition and prevent any organizational void, the NWC has sanctioned the appointment of the outgoing Edo State Ward Executive Committees as Ward Caretaker Committees for the specified 30-day duration. The NWC has called upon all party leaders, key stakeholders, and PDP members in Edo State to heed this directive and collaborate in the best interest of the party within the state.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Screening Committee for Edo State has given the green light to all ten aspirants who underwent screening on Monday. Chaired by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, the committee, which includes members like Olusola Obada, Aminu Shagari, Afolabi Alimi, and Hassan Saleh, cleared eight out of the ten aspirants who received their clearance certificates at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.
PDP National Organising Secretary, Capt. Umar Bature (Retd.), confirmed that all aspirants, except one, Balogun Sunday, were cleared. Balogun Sunday, who paid N5 million for the expression of interest form, did not attend the screening as he failed to purchase the nomination forms. The ten cleared aspirants are:
1. Hon. OMOSEDE IGBINEDION
2. ANSLEM U. OJEZUA ESQ.
3. HON. FELIX E. AKHABUE
4. ASUERINME IGHODALO
5. HON. COMRADE PHILIPS SHAIBU
6. ARTHUR ESENE
7. OMOREGIE OGBEDIE IHAMA
8. AMB. PROF. MARTIN UHOMOIBH
9. OSARO OSAZE ONAIWU
10. UMORU ADIZETU HADIZAT