By DEBORAH COKER

The Sen. Seriake Dickson-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Appeal Panel into the ward congresses election in Edo has called for a political solution to the crisis in the party.

The panel, however, shelved calls for the cancellation of the controversial election.

This is contained in the report of the panel dated Feb. 9 and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some of the aspirants had kicked against the exercise saying it was not free and fair.

The panel’s report submitted to the National Working Committee (NWC) acknowledged the petition by nine aggrieved aspirants and confirmed that the results from all the 192 wards were signed by only two persons.

The report was sent through the National Organsing Secretary

It noted the confirmation that the chairman of the three-man ward congresses Ad hoc committee, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State and its secretary, Mr Paschal Adigwe, signed the results from the ward.

It further observed the complaints of the aspirants that they were not carried along and did not participate in the ward election.

The panel, however, expressed concerns that the party could not afford the cancellation of the election saying that based on electoral laws there would be no time for a fresh election.

The panel further observed that even a fresh election may not be acceptable to other stakeholders.

They, therefore, called for a political solution involving all stakeholders including the Edo governor.

NAN reports that members of the panel included Sen. Seriake Dickson, Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, member, and Dr Akilu Sani Indabawa. NAN also reports that the report of the panel was signed by all three members. (NAN)