PDP Elects Nat Exco ’Morrow

Ahead of tomorrow’s National Convention of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), there are strong indication that the battle for the party’s topmost position will be between Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the acting National Secretary, Dr Musa Babayor

In its move to arrive at consensus the PDP had zoned various positions to the six geo-political zones with the chairmanship position going to the north east.

But in what seemed a twist in political permutation, the North-East voted for Babayor as the zonal candidate instead of the largely favoured Bamanga Tukur, earlier endorsed by many PDP governors.

This, The Tide can reveal will make tomorrow’s convention a very interesting one as the party leadership has insisted that the chairman of the party and other positions will be elected at the convention, instead of the largely canvassed adoption of consensus candidate.

However, in the North Central, election  went on smoothly with the zone unanimously adopting all candidates nominated for the various positions.

Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan has hailed the Peoples Democratic Party over the peaceful conduct of the South-South zonal congress. The President also felicitated with the newly  elected executive members of the party.

President Jonathan made the commendation, Wednesday, after the South-South Zonal Congress of the party in Port Harcourt.

The president who was represented by Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Chief Mike Oghiadomhen hailed the Chief Dan Ulasi led congress committee for the peaceful and orderly conduct saying that it was in tandem with the tenets of democracy.

Four out of the five governors from the region attended the congress. They include, Rt Hon  Chibuike Amaechi, (Rivers), Governor Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Emmanuel Uduaoghan (Delta State) were present at the congress, as well as other party chieftaincy such like Chief Tony Anenih.

The congress was also attended by other prominent members of the party from the region, including Chief Dam Etiebet, Gen Godwin Abe (Rtd), Senators, House of Representatives members and other delegates.

Responding on behalf of the new executives, the new zonal vice chairman, South-South, Steven Oru from Delta State, noted that the party had a lot of work in the region and assured that he continue from where his predecessors stopped.

Other elected executive members include, zonal secretary, Jos Odionwele from Edo, Treasurer, Theresa Effanga, Cross River, Financial Secretary, Grace Sam Jaja from Rivers and organizing Secretary, Festus Oshonogho.

The post of zonal legal Adviser went to Bar Val Areiynka, Delta State, zonal publicity Secretary was clinched by Imoowo Okpokpo, Akwa Ibom, while zonal auditor was won, Barry Negerese, Bayelsa, zonal women leader is now, Elizabeth Essien Akwa Ibom.

All positions except the national youth leader were by simple adoption seconding and voice votes.

Ike Wigodo