Intra-party crises are threatening the chances of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s election in some states, it was learnt yesterday.

Delta, Ogun and Ebonyi states have two or more persons laying claim to the party’s governorship ticket.

In Delta PDP, Sheriff Oborevwori is slugging it out with Mr. David Edevbie; Mr. Segun Sowunmi is contesting the slot with Mr. Ladi Adebutu in Ogun. Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odi is battling Senator Obinna Ogba for the Ebonyi ticket.

Party candidates, who stormed the national secretariat of the party in Abuja yesterday demanded the intervention of the Iyorchia Ayu-led leadership.

Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), who are also seeking re-election, were not at yesterday’s parley, which had in attendance no fewer than 34 candidates.

It was learnt that many of the candidates expressed fears that the crises might rob them of their chances of winning election if they were not addressed before the commencement of electioneering campaign.

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Ayu told reporters that the party was working hard to overcome the challenges.

Ayu said: “The candidates came and expressed their concerns in their various states. They briefed us on the efforts they are making in their various states to win the election.

“As you know, the elections will be won in the states, not just at the national level. I am very happy with the progress that is being made so far in various states and some of the little issues that we have clarified and it was an extremely useful meeting.

“So, we are happy that members of the party are very determined that we don’t just win at the national level. We will win state of assemblies, National Assembly and state governorship. We want to return about 25 state governors or more as we used to have. So, the mood in the party is excellent.”

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who spoke after the party chairman, said the parties in dispute approached the leadership because of their belief in the supremacy and sanctity of the party.

Assuring that they would not work against the interest of the PDP, he said: “The candidates are coming together uniting the party to discuss, even issues of reconciliation. So, ours is a very democratic party that’s open and the strategies are ours. We don’t have to relate it to the media now, but certainly we are on course.”