INEC recognises Markafi as acting PDP chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission has recognised the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party over the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff faction based on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt.
According to its Decision Extract issued on Tuesday, July 26, and signed by the Director, Commission’s Secretariat, Mr. Ishiaku Gali, the commission said it would recognise the National Caretaker for two activities.
Those activities, according to the commission, are for the conduct of primaries of political officers; and the submission of the plaintiff’s list of the candidate for any election to be conducted by the Commission.
Two weeks ago, the commission received the candidate forwarded to it by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the PDP which had earlier secured an order from the Port-Harcourt High Court.
In doing that, the commission said it was recognising Mr. Osagies Ize-Iyamu as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State based on the court order.
It, therefore, rejected the name of Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekwemwen, who was the candidate of the factional National Chairman of the party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff.
When contacted, no member of the Sheriff faction was ready to speak on the issue, as they said they were working on their own strategy.