Council elections: Otukpo PDP adopts Alli as consensus candidate

By John Ochigbo

Otukpo local government chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has adopted Chief George Alli as its consensus candidate for the forth coming chairmanship election.

The decision was made known on Saturday at the Local Government Caucus meeting in Otobi – Akpa.

The meeting which had in attendance, the state PDP woman Leader, Hon Mrs Abeje Egwa, former deputy speaker Benue state House of Assembly, Hon Egli Ahubi Johnson, House of Assembly member representing Adoka/Ugboju, Hon Michael Audu, Special Adviser to the Benue state Governor on works, transport and energy, Hon Austin’s Awodi, among other top party leaders from the LGA.

The meeting which was presided over by the Otukpo LGA party chairman, Hon Abel Otobi agreed that Zone A which is Otukpo/Akpa should be allowed to complete their second term.

Various speakers from Zone A including Dr Adakole Elijah, had argued that PDP right from inception have been observing zoning, disclosed that it was consequent upon the zoning arrangement that Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, was elected as the first council chairman under PDP platform and did two terms, he comes from Zone A Otukpo/Akpa axis, and in addition he did caretaker chairman.

Dr Elijah explained further that when zoning shifted to zone B Adoka/Ugboju axis, Dr Innocent Onuh who hails from that zone was elected and did two term alongside caretaker position he held, it the contention of Dr Elija, at the expiration of Dr Onuh’ election, George Alli came on board even though from APC, but in the interest of peace, unity and continuity the Otukpo people have unanimously agreed that they would serve out their second term and then relinquish the position to Adoka/Ugboju which is zone B.

The various stakeholders from Zone B however agreed to the superior argument of zoning and however agreed to the zoning.

Subsequent upon unanimously accepting the zoning to remain in Zone A, the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Otukpo/Akpa state constituency in the last election, Hon Ochi Igbabe, moved the motion for the adoption of Chief George Alli as the sole candidate of the party in order to complete the good work he started in his first term, while seconding the motion, Dr Adakole Elijah cited, Hon George Alli’s peaceful disposition in the local government in carrying everybody along and also worthy of note is the various youth empowerment, infrastructural development in his first term which is worthy of note.

The party however agreed that Chief George Alli having distinguished himself in the service delivery of the council in his first term and short time as caretaker deserve to be supported to complete his good work.

In his remark, George Alli thanked the people and accepted to run and promised to surpass what he has achieved in his first term.