Sheriff set to conduct fresh PDP primaries, issues forms to candidates

The Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP had on Monday, June 20, conducted its Edo State governorship primary election, which produced Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the party's flag bearer.

But Sheriff, who has insisted that he is still the legitimate Chairman of the party, declared the primary election conducted by Makarfi illegal.

He had on Thursday, June 23, set up another committee to conduct primaries for three PDP governorship candidates in Edo State.

Speaking to reporters in Benin on Saturday, June 25, a lawmaker representing Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency in Edo State, Honourable Ehiozuwa Johnson-Agbonayinma, said he has purchased the nomination form for an election to be organised by the Sherrif’s faction.

Agbonayinma said that Sheriff noted that the only legally recognised PDP in Nigeria is the one headed by Sheriff.

READ: 'Ali Modu Sheriff has no right to suspend state exco,' PDP says

The ongoing crisis in the party stemmed from the removal of Sheriff as the Chairman at a convention held in Port Harcourt, River State.

After his removal, a caretaker committee was headed by Makarfi was set up to oversee the affairs of the party. But rejected the move, arguing that his removal violated a court order issued in relation to the party’s convention, which he also claimed nullified every decision taken at that convention.