Osun Poll: PDP Endorses Adeleke For Second Term

According to Ireporter Online, the party announced its decision in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of its Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong.

The PDP said the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the party by including its logo on the ballot for the August 15 governorship election.

The party explained that the appellate court upheld Adedamola’s nomination after determining that the PDP had conducted a governorship primary monitored by INEC and subsequently submitted the winner’s name to the electoral body.

According to the party, the court ruled that since the primary election was properly conducted and monitored, and the successful candidate’s name was forwarded to INEC, there was no legal barrier preventing the candidate from participating in the election.

The PDP further stated that the court considered the access code required for uploading nominations on the INEC portal to be an administrative requirement that could not supersede the statutory obligation of political parties to submit the names of their candidates.

Despite the judgment, however, the PDP said it had decided to support Adeleke, who is contesting the election on the platform of the Accord Party.

The party explained that the limited time remaining before the election made it difficult for its recognised candidate to mount an effective campaign across the state.

Following consultations with key stakeholders and consideration of Adeleke’s previous affiliation with the PDP, the party’s interim leadership resolved to direct its members and supporters to support the incumbent governor.

The PDP therefore urged its members across Osun State to vote for Adeleke during Saturday’s election.

The party also called on its supporters to participate actively in the electoral process and ensure that their votes were properly protected from the polling unit through the collation stages.

Meanwhile, the PDP accused INEC of bias, alleging that the electoral commission failed to properly recognise its candidate despite monitoring the primary election that produced him.

The party claimed that the situation had deprived its candidate of adequate time to campaign and effectively present his programme to voters ahead of the poll.

The PDP further appealed to all political parties, candidates, supporters and voters to reject violence and allow the election to reflect the genuine wishes of the people.

It stressed that the ballot should remain the ultimate means through which Osun residents determine who governs the state.

Adeleke, who left the PDP and joined the Accord Party, is seeking re-election for another four-year term in Saturday’s governorship election.