Embattled National Chairman of the dissolved National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ali Modu-Sheriff has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to disregard the Edo State Governorship Primary organized by the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the party.

He said this during a press conference at his private residence, adding that he has set-up a committee to conduct fresh primary election in the state.

The former governor of Borno State announced that, Hope Uzodinmma and Ahmed Gulak will be the chairman and secretary of the fresh exercise.

He also named a three man Ad-Hoc delegate panel with Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Oyo State Deputy Governor, as Chairman and Bala Aboki as secretary.

Modu-Sheriff restated that he is the authentic national chairman of the PDP, claiming that the primary election conducted on Monday was not monitored by INEC.

He further claimed that the INEC has handed over to him, guidelines for the conduct of the party primaries for him to conduct a proper one.

He assured his supporters that he would produce a candidate for the party by next Thursday to beat the July 10th INEC deadline for the submission of party candidate for the elections.

In its reaction, the Makarfi committee cautioned chieftains of the party not to play any part in the purported fresh primary election in Edo state and not to take any appointment offered by Modu-Sheriff.

Dayo Adeyeye, spokesperson for the Makarfi committee,  in a statement re-echoed sentiments that  Modu-Sheriff is conniving with the All Progressive Congress, APC, to completely cripple  the PDP.

“It is now very clear that Senator Ali Modu Sheriff is working very hard for the enemies of our great party. First, the Edo primary election and all the processes leading to it thereof were properly conducted, monitored and observed by INEC. Edo PDP Chairman has warned Sheriff to steer clear of their affairs as the party in the state is resolutely united behind Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Candidate of the PDP”.

The caretaker committee further warned that any of its members serving  in any committee set up  by Senator Sheriff will be engaging in anti-party activities and will  face disciplinary action.
It dismissed Senator Sheriff’s claim of a court pronouncement empowering him to conduct a fresh primary election in Edo State.