Activities by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State towards next year’s general elections are expected to burst into life following the release of the list of cleared candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ondo PPD had not been put able to commence preparations for the polls because of the controversy over which of the two contentious lists of candidates submitted to INEC by the two PDP factions in the state.

In Ondo North Senatorial District which comprises the six local councils of Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East, Akoko South West, Owo and Ose, the release of the list led to wild jubilation among party faithful, especially those who are sympathetic to the cause of the state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who recently joined the party.

At the Akungba-Akoko campaign office of Senator Bode Olajumoke, who was cleared by the electoral body to contest the senatorial seat, scores of party faithful were summoned to an emergency meeting to plan the commencement of his campaigns.

The Director-General of the Olajumoke campaign team, Demola Ijabiyi, said they had to put all activities on hold while awaiting the position of INEC on the controversy which pitched the old members of the party with new members.

In a statement issued by Lanre Ogunmoyela, the Director of Publicity of the organisation, the names of cleared candidates apart from Olajumoke were given as Chief Deni Akerele the House of Representatives candidate for Akoko North East/North West federal constituency and his counterparts for Akoko South East/South West and Ose/Owo constituencies, who are respectively Hon. Debo Ologunagba and Munirat Folasade Tinubu.

According to the statement, “the House of Assembly candidates expected to be cleared include Hon. Yinka Banso for Akoko North West 1 constituency, Otunba Gbenga Araoyinbo for Akoko North West 2, Fatai Olotu for Akoko North East, Hon. Gbenga Adeniyi for Akoko South West 1 and Abiodun Ogunbi for Akoko South West 2. The others are Kuti Towase for Akoko South East, Ayo Arowele for Owo 1, Yomi Ode for Owo 2 and Olusola Oluyede for Ose constituency.”

•Adapted from a Guardian report. Photo shows one of the cleared candidates, Senator Bode Olajumoke.