The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday in Abuja, inaugurated the National Campaign Committee (NCC) for the governorship elections to be held later in the year in Edo and Ondo States.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Edo election for September 21, 2024, the Ondo poll will take place on November 16, 2024.
Speaking during the inauguration, PDP acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, urged the committee members to give all their support to ensure that the party triumphs in both states during the elections.
Damagum, who described the PDP as a true democratic party, said Edo is not Lagos while adding that the economic situation in the country has tilted the upcoming elections in favour of the PDP.
The PDP chairman, who reposed confidence in the committees to deliver on their mandates in the two states, said Edo is for the PDP to win based on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s achievements in the state in the past seven and a half years while expressing the hope that Ondo will also go the PDP way as the All Progressive Congress (APC) is no longer popular in the Sunshine State. In addition to the economic downturn Nigerians have been made to pass through in the last nine years of the APC-led Federal Government,.
“Today, we are inaugurating these two campaign councils. I just have two or three words to say to you. Most of those of you who are selected have done this job before and have done it effectively. I want to remind you that the party you belong to is truly a democratic party. From the way these candidates emerge, it has shown that we are truly democratic. And also, this should give you faith that what you are going to embark on will yield the desired fruits.
“I’ve just been watching the remarks, especially in Ondo and Edo, where the President said he’s taking Ondo for his party. Like we’ve always said, he has tried it before, and we have a slogan that ‘Edo no be Lagos. So I want to use this opportunity to stress that we are in a democratic dispensation and there are rules that have to be adhered to. We will not sit down and allow anybody to snatch, grab and steal. We will be battle-ready for any thief who rears his head to steal our fortune.
“We have done so well in Edo State. We thank the Governor. We are very proud of him. And our records in that state speak volumes. And it is part of our pride. And it will be one we will use to continue giving them that dividend that they have enjoyed during Godwin Obaseki. So, Edo is there for us because we have done very well and we will take it back to the PDP. Edo State has always been PDP.
“So, to those that think they will take Edo, I want to tell them that it is going to be very difficult for them because we are in a democratic dispensation. We will not make the mistake we have made before. And this time around, there is no announcement of the result in the middle of the night. I want to enjoin you people who are going to campaign in Edo. Already, the governor has laid a very good foundation for you and we know you will make us proud. You will bring Edo back to us. Let me also use this opportunity to say, in Ondo State, they have had it so bad over the years.”
On Ondo, Damagum said, “To the people of Ondo, this is another opportunity for you to change things and make things work for you. We will be here. We will give you all the support and we will be there for you. And I pray that these two campaign councils will give us the desired results in these two elections. And I’m sure we will take Ondo as well. Ondo is already ours. It will remain PDP. Ondo will be ours to take. If they want to hear it, we will grab it, whether they like it or not, because they didn’t do well. So to you, our candidate, I wish you a successful election and by the grace of God, you will lead us in Ondo.”
Ikimi and Olafeso are optimistic of victory
Party chieftains High Chief Tom Ikimi and Chief Eddy Olafeso expressed optimism that PDP is on the road to victory as far as elections in Edo and Ondo States are concerned.
“Let me assure you that we have already won the election in Edo State. Just like we did win the election when we presented Governor Obaseki, Governor Obaseki, our governor, has distinguished himself as one of the best governors in the country.
“As you know very well, we have great difficulties in the country at this time. And he’s the first governor to be bold enough to step forward and give a basic salary of N70,000 to every worker. We are waiting to see any other governor or any other state that can step forward to do that.
“The fact remains that we shall win Edo State. And I hope that we will continue to have the cooperation and support of the party leadership. I’m sure you know all that is necessary to win elections. And I believe that you will make that available to us in Edo State, from the National Working Committee and from all other states that we control in this country,” the former Foreign Affairs minister said.
For Olafeso, “The only story that will come out of Ondo State will be the story of success and victory. Like Baba Tom Ikimi said, Nigerians have been pummelling. We’ve been battered. We’ve been humiliated by this APC government, and the only way all of us can say no to them is to come out en masse and that’s the job we’re going to do.”
Fintiri assures party committees that they will deliver
Governor Ahmad Umaru Fintiri, who spoke on behalf of the committees, assured them of their commitment to the elections.
“We are ready for Edo. We will not leave anything to chance. We will leverage Obaseki’s performance. We should go with all seriousness. We will match APC. With technology, rigging is very minimal. PDP has bright chances in the two states. Edo has registered over 200,000 since new registration has started,” the governor stated.
While Fintiri is heading the 148-member campaign committee in Edo State, his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleye, is expected to lead 177 members to victory in Ondo State.
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