The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kogi west on Wednesday inaugurated its campaign for the 2019 election with an allegation that that the senator representing the senatorial district, Dino Melaye, was facing political persecution because he had been the voice of the voiceless.
The rally, which took place at Egbe and Odo-Ere, Yagba west local government area saw the people of the area expressing their support for the embattled senator and the presidential candidate of the part, Atiku Abubakar.
The leaders and supporters of the PDP drawn from the local government led a long convoy of combined team of the visiting members of the Dino Melaye Campaign Organization (DMCO) and party leadership in the zone on a road show on the streets of Egbe before finally settling down at the rally ground in Odo-Ere.
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The people also used the opportunity to demand for the release of the lawmaker chanting “free Dino Melaye”, “Dino, our choice”, Atiku, We Want” and PDP slogans.
Various speakers at the rally expressed satisfaction with the large turn out at the rally with a urge to ensure that they equally come out in their large numbers on February 16 and March 2 with their PVCs to vote all the candidates of the party from the presidential to the state constituencies level.
Deputy Director General, DMCO for Yagba Federal Constituency, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Salaudeen, dismissed as empty threats the alleged stockpiling of arms by opponents of the party, to intimidate and unleash violence against the electorate on election day.
He said such were nothing but presumptuous gimmickry and should not be giving serious thoughts.
He told the gathering to be ready to cast their votes for the candidates of the party while also defending their votes, without fear of intimidation, warning that anyone found with a gun should expect a mob action.
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Director General, DMCO, Chief Shola Ojo, who expressed the appreciation of Melaye who is in police custody, said the PDP senatorial candidate was in high spirit as a result of the moral support that has served as encouragement from his constituents.
He said Melaye was a victim of political persecution for being the voice of the voiceless and called on the people to get behind him in his trying times by adding their voices to the already loud demand for his release.
Ojo said Melaye who twice has been voted best senator in Nigeria deserves a second term to continue his advocacy and excellent performance in this current term.
Kogi West PDP Senatorial Chairman, Taiwo Kola-Ojo cautioned the electorate to thumbprint only PDP logo on the ballot paper, and not be selective to avoid mistakes.
He said support for the PDP must be total, from top to bottom.
He described the government of the APC as evil saying February 16 presents the people with the opportunity to liberate themselves.
A vote for Buhari, he noted, is a vote for Governor Yahaya Bello and a continuation of the regime best known for its disdains for the welfare of workers.
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