No automatic tickets for 2015 polls – EDO PDP CHAIR

BENIN—AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, has called on aspirants vying for elective positions on its platform, to disregard rumours that the leadership of the party had given automatic nominations or anointed some persons as its candidates in the election.

The party promised to conduct  free and fair primaries, just as it urged all aspirants vying for National and state Houses of Assembly seats, to put the interest of the party first before other considerations, insisting that the days of automatic tickets for any candidate was over.
State Chairman of PDP, Mr Dan Orbih, who addressed a meeting of Edo State PDP leaders and stakeholders, weekend, from Edo Central senatorial district in Uromi, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state, said that the party was serious about winning the state back and would not want anything that would jeopardise its chances of achieving its goal in the forthcoming elections into the National and State Assemblies.
He said: “Edo State PDP will conduct free and fair primaries to elect candidate that will represent us.  It is true that our opponent is aware that in Edo Central senatorial district, if we hold elections 100 times, we will win 100 times. But the nomination is generating problem and I want to say that Chief Tony Anenih has no favoured candidate and has not endorsed any body.
“Anybody willing to contest is free to come. There is no endorsement, no anointing or preferred candidate. Those who have interest should go to the field are free to express their desire. Elected party chairmen, ward chairmen at both the state and national level should not be seen or heard canvassing support for any party candidate.”