Screening Committee clears national chairmanship aspirants

The screening committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for national elective convention has cleared all the nine aspirants vying for the position of national chairman of the party.

Chairman of the Screening Committee, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, disclosed this when he addressed journalists on the exercise at the party Secretariat on Friday in Abuja.

Ize-Iyamu, who commended the peaceful conduct by the candidates, expressed optimism that the convention would be credible.

The cleared candidates are: Prince Uche Secondus, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Taoheed Adedoja, Chief Olabode George, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Sen.Rashidi Ladoja, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief Jimi Agbaje and Aderemi Olusegun.

In his brief remarks, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Delta, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, pledged the readiness of the committee to conduct credible and transparent convention.

Okowa also assured that adequate steps had been taken to secure the Eagles Square, venue of the convention.

“We are very much aware of the security alert about Abuja. The security committee is working very closely with the security agencies to ensure a smooth convention,” said Okowa.

The governor added that security sub-committee was “working very closely with the police and relevant security agencies,” to ensure a smooth exercise.

He, however, said that only properly accredited journalists would be allowed entrance to the convention venue.

Chairman, Post-Convention Planning Committee and Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson tasked all aspirants to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship before, during and after the contest.

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He said that the spirit of sportsmanship was key, adding that only one candidate would win the election.

Dickson, who thanked Okowa for his work described the convention planning committee members as credible people, adding that that the party had confidence in them.

Dickson advised the candidates to feel free to approach the committee, to seek clarification on any issue pertaining to the convention.