Some youths from Osun State Thursday protested at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over moves to impose a governorship candidate on the party in the state in September 22 election.
The protesters arrived at the Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5 Abuja, with placards which read: “Secondus, no imposition in Osun,” Secondus , you’re a product of fair election,” “Osun PDP youth against impunity,” Secondus, don’t take money, “ among others.
Party security personnel on duty stopped the protesters from entering the premises. David Daramola, who led the protest said they decided to take their protest to the party national headquarters because they learnt that the party boss had succumbed to pressure to impose a particular aspirant on them.
The party is set to conduct its primary election in the state next week for the gubernatorial poll. Daramola said: “We are here to express our feeling to the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus because we learned that so many things are going on in this premises which we think is abnormal.
“We learnt that they are trying to impose a candidate and money is involved. “What we heard is that Prince Uche Secondus wanted to impose a candidate. The election has not been conducted but we want to guard against that from happening.”
Also speaking, Sharon Oyedeji who said she came from Irepodun Local Government of the state, said she has no confidence in the pledge by the party boss to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible primary election.
She said: “All we are clamouring for is a peaceful, free and fair primary election. Of what use is the delegate list from ward, local government and state level? “Of what use are they (delegates) that they will not be able to exercise their right? We, the concerned youth of Osun state, we decided to take it upon ourselves to bring ourselves down here to speak our mind because staying in our state can’t help up.”
Receiving the protesters, the PDP Director of Organization, Chief Adewale Fatona, dismissed their claim and admonished them to allow peace to reign. Fatona was the most senior party official at the secretariat at the time of the protest.
Source: Leadership Newspapers
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