Abiodun Onafuye/ Abeokuta

In what appeared to be a breach of the directive of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Ogun State Chapter of the party today went ahead with its governorship primaries where Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka emerged winner.

He defeated 11 other aspirants with 705 votes while a former House of Representatives member, Jelili Kayode Amusan came second with 151 votes.

Both the former governor of the State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives who is also an aspirant, Dimeji Bankole stayed away from the primary which was held at the party State secretariat, along IBB Boluveard road, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Also,the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was not at the event, but a PDP Board member and close associate of the Obasanjo, Chief Tunde Oshunrinde attended as a delegate from Abeokuta North local government council.

The directive from the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Oliseh Metuh stopping the governorship primary of the party had earlier created tension at the party Secretariat, venue of the primary in Abeokuta, the State capital.

Aside the regular armed policemen and operative of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), about three dozens of fierce looking bouncers were stationed at the entrance of the state PDP Secretariat to ward off any trouble.

The news of the Metuh’s directive created tension, with the exercise stalled as at 1.30pm.

But, party Chairman, Engr. Bayo Dayo and other leaders, including the candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial ticket and Chairman, Mobilization Committee for southwest, Prince Buruji Kashamu however relied on a court injunction to go ahead with the voting.

Voting eventually started at exactly 2.25pm after the State Chairman had welcomed delegates from the 20 council areas, where he affirmed his leadership to present list needed for the congress.

Contrary to wide spread speculation that nine out of the 12 aspirants stepped down for Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, none of them came out when the announcement was made for such decision.

Speaking with newsmen as he set to leave the primaries venue, before the counting finished, Jelili Kayode Amusan, one of the aspirants described the process as fair and transparent.

Other aspirants absent at the primary include, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Anthony Ojesina, Remi Bakare, Isiaq Akinlade and the former deputy governor in the State, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye.