There is a heavy security presence at Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF), the venue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South West congress in Osogbo, Osun State capital.
Newsflash Nigeria gathered that the Nigeria Police, State Security Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives were sighted at the venue’s entrance.
Some of the security personnel were also strategically located few kilometres away from the venue of the congress as supporters of candidates arrive at the venue for accreditation.
Though the party fixed delegates’ accreditation for 9:00 a.m., it had yet to commence as of the time of filing this report.
The PDP screening committee cleared 42 aspirants on Sunday to contest various positions in the zone.
The congress would be attended by 734 delegates across the six South-West states.
According to the list released by Austin Akobundu, the PDP National Organising Secretary, Oyo has 171 delegates, Osun 130, Lagos 101, Ogun 112, Ondo 114, and Ekiti 115.
The chairman of the screening committee, Dino Melaye, had said Sunday that aspirants’ screening was peaceful.
A former deputy governor of Oyo, Taofeek Arapaja, and the immediate zonal chairman of the party, Eddy Olafeso, are contesting the chairmanship position.
While Governor Seyi Makinde supports Mr Arapaja for the chairmanship, Ayo Fayose, a former Ekiti governor, supports Mr Olafeso.
Meanwhile, PDP had on Sunday announced the names for the electoral congress committee and appeal panel.
According to the announcement obtained by Newsflash Nigeria, the electoral congress committee are Gov. Samuel Ortom -Chairman, while other members are Senator Sandy Onor, Ogun Ofome Anthony, Ireruke Edward Otemabore, and Secretary is Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The electoral appeal panel members are Chief Okey Ezenwa – Chairman, Mr Clement Okarejie, member and Rolland Najomoh, Secretary.
Moreover, the party also constitutes South West Zonal Congress monitoring committee.
According to the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan said “the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party, in its commitment to ensure transparency and to conduct free, fair and credible congress, has approved the composition of the Zonal Congress Monitoring Committee for South West, the.
“This is pursuant to Section 1.0(C) (ii) of our Party’s Guidelines for the conduct of Ward, LGA, State, Zonal Congresses of our Party.
“Composition:
(1). Chief Osita Chidoka (Chairman);
(2). Dr. Princess Mrs. Bolanle Ogundiran (member);
(3) Chief Osita Okorie (member);
(4). Mr. Richard Ihediwa (Secretary)”.
