*Elumelu, Others Win, Mutu Loses In Delta HoR Primaries
FOLLOWING the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Delta State on Saturday, May 16, the party’s National Assembly Primaries Appeal Committee has urged aggrieved aspirants and party members to formally submit complaints arising from exercise, assuring them of fair and neutral hearing.
The committee said this was part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democratic process and ensure fairness, transparency and credibility, following the direct primaries that produced candidates for the state’s 10 federal constituencies.
The rancour-free exercise produced a few surprises. For example, former minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, emerged the party’s candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, while Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency saw a former speaker of the state House of Assembly, Basil Ganagana, end the 27-years tenure of member of the House, Nicholas Mutu, by clinching the ticket.
Other winners include daughter of former governor, James Ibori, and member of HoR, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, who was returned for Ethiope Federal Constituency; Francis Waive (Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency); and Ramson Onoyake (Okpe/Sapele/Uwvie Federal Constituency).
Others include Emmanuel Osazuwa (Ika Federal Constituency); Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency); Julius Pondi (Burutu Federal Constituency); Ajirioghene Ukodhiko (Isoko Federal Constituency); and Thomas Ereyitomi (Warri Federal Constituency).
Speaking on Sunday, May 17, in Asaba, on behalf of the five-member committee, its Chairman, Chukwuemeka Ujam, said the party leadership remained committed to a transparent and credible process free from interference.
Flanked by other members of the committee, Ujam assured that all petitions, appeals and complaints arising from the conduct of the primaries would receive due attention, in accordance with the party’s constitution, guidelines and democratic principles.
He explained that the appeal process provides an opportunity for dissatisfied aspirants and stakeholders to seek redress through established party mechanisms, while also helping to preserve unity ahead of next year’s general elections.
The committee urged party faithful to channel their grievances through peaceful and lawful means, reiterating that every petition would be treated fairly and objectively.
