The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has denied being aware of the withdrawal of Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi and others from the party’s governorship primaries in Osun State.
The primaries, as confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, will hold in the state on Tuesday (today).
Speaking through his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Simon Imobo-Tswam, Ayu said: “We are not aware that any governorship aspirant in Osun State has withdrawn from the governorship primaries, scheduled for tomorrow (today).
“We are just hearing it from you and we hope it’s not true.
“But if it’s true, that decision has nothing to do with the PDP national secretariat, and least of all, the National Chairman, Dr. Ayu.
“The party, under Dr. Ayu’s leadership, subscribes fully to the principle of internal democracy.
“This is why the party is guaranteeing all aspirants to every elective office in our party a level playing field.
“We advise and encourage all aspirants in Osun State under our banner to take advantage of this democratic stand and test their popularity at the primary.
“We wish all aspirants the best, but it’s the people who will decide on the pitch.
“We assure all that we have put in place every necessary machinery to ensure that the process is free, fair, transparent and credible.”