By Baron Ike
Frontline contestant for the chairmanship position of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) , Olabode George has pulled out of the race, citing sharp practices.
George did in a letter he personally signed and addressed to the Chairman National Convention Committee of the PDP , Ifeanyi Okowa.
George, PDP Board of Trustees member of the party complained that money seems to be the deciding factor in the election which holds on Saturday in Abuja.
On Wednesday, another chieftain of the party and former Internal Affairs minister, Abba Moro raised the alarm that from indications the PDP has not learnt its lessons based on the alleged manipulative tendencies attaining the Convention.
So many other party faithful had also said that contestants to the PDP elective positions wrre spending so much money, doubting the chances of thr exercise producing credible candidates who can manage the affairs of the party to achieve the desired result.
George specifically accused the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike of undermining the interest of the South West PDP members by inducing other candidates from the other zones within the South to enter into the race.
But the PDP interim spokesman, Adeyeye dismissed George’s allegation as false, noting the the PDP Chairmanship slot was zoned to the whole South and that it was the responsibility of the leaders of the party in the zone to micro zone offices.
Adeyeye said while the northern leaders successfully micro zoned their own positilns, those from the South failed to meet to do the same.
Meanwhile, all is set for the election as delegates and contestants to the different positions make last minute permutations that will see them through after the voting.
The Wadata Plaza of the PDP was a beehive of activities on Friday as the committee members deal with the last minute complaints by the candidates.
Security and other logistics were said to have been put in place ahead of the election.
Earlier in the day, nine candidates including George were cleared for the Chairmanshop position and given their certificates before he withrew from the contest.