C/River LG Elections: Protests, Alleged Imposition Mar PDP Primaries As Party Announces Candidates

The Cross River State Peoples Democratic Party  chairmanship and councillorship primaries for the forthcoming local government elections which took place yesterday in all the local government areas of the state was marred with allegations of candidate imposition and protests.

The party had directed the local government and ward chapters, through a letter signed by the state publicity secretary of the party, Egbung Odama to carry  out "affirmative congresses".

"All chapter chairmen are by this notice directed to proceed to the Ward and Local Government headquarters for Affirmative Congresses scheduled as follows;

Ward Adhoc/Councillorship and Chairmanship Primaries...28th Jan,2020.

You have also been directed to swap the Ward Secretaries and Ward Youth leaders stand in as ward returning and electoral officers. It is also mandatory that, Commissioners, Special Advisers   and other Political Appointees should avail themselves for the Congress"

Findings by our correspondents noted that in  Yala Local Government, there was protest in Okpoma shortly after the congress as youths set up bonfires to register their grievances.

One of the aggrieved youths who spoke to us on condition of anonymity, said "this wasn't a primary election. Somebody sat down somewhere and wrote names of candidates for us to affirm. In some cases, all other candidates were screened out, leaving their 'anointed' candidate going unopposed".

Youths set up bonfires in Yala 

In Odukpani, some PDP members who spoke to our correspondent expressed dissatisfaction with process.

PDP Announces Chairmanship Candidates

Despite the protests, the PDP has announced the names of its chairmanship candidates for all the LGAs.

The list which was signed by the chairman of the party, Ntufam Inok Edim has the following persons:

1. Inde, Margaret - Obanliku

2. Bonny Ewhe Eraye - Obudu

3. Dr. Josephat Emeka - Bekwarra

4. Hon. Emmanuel Ishuabor - Ogoja

5. Barr. Fabian Odey Ogbeche - Yala

6. Pastor John Ewa - Boki

7. Kingsley Egumi - Ikom

8. John Nkom Etuk - Etung

9. Bassey Agara Tom - Obubra

10. Ofem Ebri Obeten - Yakurr

11. Ada Charles Egwu - Biase

12. Hon. Linus Bassey Etim - Akamkpa

13. Mrs. Justina Edem - Odukpani

14. Effefiong Nta Eke - Calabar Municipality

15. Esther Bassey - Calabar South

16. Emmanuel Offiong Bassey- Akpabuyo

17. Iyadim Am on I Iyadim - Bakassi

18. Lawson Enang Isong - Abi