It was a tale of disappointment for members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State who trooped out over the weekend to elect candidates for next year’s State House of Assembly polls.

Though the expected voters for the primaries came out en-masse as early as 8am to the designated venues for the exercise in all the local government areas of the state, the factional leaders of the party remained in hotels within the state capital Awka, where they cooked up lists of candidates.

The reality dawned on the supposed voters at about 6pm when it became obvious that there was not going to be any voting, hence they went home.

Notably, a team from the national secretariat of PDP in Abuja was at Doris Hotels in an isolated area of the town where it conducted its own primaries, while another group led by Chief Kenneth Emeakayi held its primaries in another hall in Awka. The exercise was conducted by three different factions.

At the end of the day, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recognises the Ejike Oguebego group led by the self-acclaimed godfather, Chief Chris Uba, said it was satisfied with the exercise.

According to INEC spokesperson in the state, Mr. Frank Egbo, “The commission recognised and supervised the Mr. Ejike Oguebego-led PDP during the State Assembly primaries.

“What INEC monitored was PDP primaries and not any faction. INEC is not interested in any group except the party.”

Names emerging from the Oguebego camp include Rebecca Ugorji for Awka North constituency and Tokas Ohazuluike, the incumbent lawmaker for Ihiala I constituency.

Other names include Silas Eze (Orumba South), Mike Ikegbunam (Ayamelum), Kenneth Nwakaeze (Awka South I), Mrs. Violet Chuks-Okoye (Idemili South), Samuel Chukwugozie Enemchukwu (Ihiala 1I), Adora Akudiegwu (Njikoka II), Okwuchukwu Okeke(Aguata II), Okechukwu Okeke (Orumba North), Humphrey Okoye (Onitsha South I) and Godwin Eneghalu (Nnewi North).

•Photo shows Anambra PDP strongman Chris Uba.

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