Confusion over venue stalls PDP primaries in Badagry
Conflicted venues delayed PDP primary elections for the Lagos State House of Assembly and Representatives in Badagry Constituency 1.
A correspondent who monitored the primaries in Badagry Constituency 1, observed that the party selected three venues for the election.
Kappo Hotel, Sango Iledundun, Badagry, was the official venue of the election.
However, many party delegates had gathered at the hotel before some of their leaders informed them that the party had selected another venue for the election, which was Soketa Hotel, Sowhe.
A few PDP members gathered within the Soketa Hotel, waiting for the INEC officials, party officials and election materials.
As uncertainty trailed the primaries, some party members gathered at the PDP secretariat in Awaawa quarters, Badagry.
However, Abidemi Akojenu, the chairman, PDP, Badagry, said the party stakeholders were meeting in Lagos on the venue of the primaries.
“At present, the primaries are on hold; we are waiting for instructions from our leaders in the state to know whether the elections will take place or not,” he said.
As of 1:00 p.m., there was no presence of INEC officials to conduct the primaries in the area.
The Police, Nigeria Army from the 243 Recce-Batallion Barracks, Ibereko and 15 Engineering corps, Topo, Badagry and the SSS were seen parading the three venues.
Similarly, the situation in Ikorodu was the same as delegates for the primaries were seen gathered in groups discussing, while others were moving around apparently expecting directives from the party officials.
As of 1:20 p.m. in Ikorodu, the party delegates had no clear directive.
Olamide Lawal, one of the PDP aspirants for Lagos State House of Assembly, commended delegates for their commitment and encouraged them to select the best candidate to deliver dividends of democracy to their constituents.
Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Staff arrived at the venue at about 9:03 a:m while Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agents were at the entrance conducting screening before allowing delegates into the venue.
(NAN)
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