There was a drama at the ongoing national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as some of the contestants protested that the voting was not free and fair.
Led by Chief Raymond Dokpesi, owner of Raypower and Africa Independent Television, AIT, the protesters provided evidence in a document tagged ‘Unity List.’
He displayed the list which he obtained from the delegates.
On the ‘Unity List’ are the names of the candidates said to have been decided by some powerful members to be national officers of the party, notwithstanding what the outcome of the election which was ongoing at the time might turn out to be.
The list was said to have been handed over to the delegates who were voting to ensure that they complied with the dictate.
Dokpesi who openly expressed his annoyance said the development was a clear indication that the election was not free and fair.
Read also: PDP: Chairmanship aspirants to sign peace accord – Dokpesi
He however ruled out going to court to protest whatever the outcome of the election might be.
According to him, there were internal mechanisms to resolve all issues.
One of the party’s chieftain, former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, John Odey spoke about the development.
Suggesting that the list could not be relied upon as an evidence of rigging, he said it was not signed by anybody.
He explained that the principle of zoning had always thrown up challenges and such would always be addressed.
He said the essence of the principle of zoning was to ensure representation across the country.
That, however, he said, was not to say that anyone could not contest.
In his submission, their freedom to contest brought about the number of people vying for different positions.
9 Mobile… Pin: 560489796451654. Please drop your comment, if you are the winner of this credit.