Awani Leads NDC Warri Federal Constituency Primary With 2,213 Votes

Frontline aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Warri Federal Constituency, Esimaje Awani, recorded the highest number of votes in the party’s primary election held in Warri South Local Government Area on Friday, according to figures announced at the venue of the exercise.

Results announced by the returning officer showed that Awani secured 2,213 votes, while his closest challenger, renowned environmentalist Sheriff Mulade, polled 257 votes.

The primary election proceedings were streamed live by WS News.

The announcement followed concerns raised by Awani and some of his supporters regarding the possibility of irregularities in the collation and declaration of results.

Addressing the concerns, Awani noted that more than 5,000 people were registered as party members within the first month of the registration exercise in Warri South, suggesting that the total number of registered members may have increased further before the registration deadline.

In response, the returning officer maintained that the process would remain transparent and that only accredited voters were eligible to participate in the primary.

“The accredited figure in the Warri Federal Constituency is 2,054. Nobody will cheat anyone. If you bring additional number, the state will see it,” the returning officer stated.

He further reiterated the figures recorded during the counting process, saying: “2,213 was counted for Esimaje Awani, while Sheriff Mulade recorded 257 votes.”

While the figures announced at the venue indicate a clear lead for Awani, the final outcome remains subject to the official ratification and declaration process of the party, in line with its electoral guidelines.

However, following feelers that there is a plot to twist the outcome of the exercise, Awani has called on party leaders and stakeholders to ensure that the figures announced at the venue are reflected in the party’s final declaration.