The PUNCH earlier reported that Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, was chosen to head the seven-man Primary Election Committee set up to conduct the shadow poll while former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, will serve as the Secretary.
Other members include a former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Iyiola Oladokun; Senator Lekan Mustapha, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso; Margaret Duru; and Dr. Sani Danjuma.
The committee was saddled with the responsibility to conduct a direct primary in all 18 local government areas of the state to pick the party’s flag bearer ahead of the November 2024 governorship election.
The ruling party also sworn in another five-man committee to take charge of post-election appeals and complaints.
The appeal committee is headed by former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, while Chief Obiocha Israel serves as Secretary.
Other members are Edo lawmaker Patrick Obahiagbo, Jamilu Isiyiaka Gwamna, and Chief Onyeka Okafor.
Ododo was, however, absent at the oath-taking ceremony, which started at about 5.30 pm.
The governor, who came to the rescue of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, during the siege laid on his Abuja residence by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was represented by his deputy, Salifu Oyibo.
Oyibo, who attributed his boss’ absence to ‘security challenges,’ however, assured all that the governor would be available in Ondo State for the assignment.
He said, “I’m here representing my governor and executive governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, who could not make it down here today because of security challenges, which he told me he had informed you about. I am here because we don’t want to allow this place to be vacuumed today as usual.
“In his acceptance speech, he told me that ‘If there is any job not to be done, it must not be the one sent by the number one party member.’ That is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and your humble self, the national party chairman and the party, which is supreme. Any work set by these people must be done by him.
“On that note, he wants me to inform the house that he has accepted to collaborate with all the committee members to produce the best candidate for the Ondo governorship election. He also said he would abide by the principle, doctrine, and constitution of our great party.”
