Felicia Udeji Reporting
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum, has lauded the performance of the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressing pride in his achievements and the administration’s track record.
Speaking during the inauguration of the National Campaign Councils for Ondo and Edo States in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum took the opportunity to respond to comments attributed to President Bola Tinubu, who had stated his intention to bring Edo under the control of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Damagum dismissed the President’s ambitions, reminding him and his party that “Edo, no be Lagos,” a phrase emphasizing the unique political climate and independence of Edo State. He asserted that the people of Edo State are deeply satisfied with the performance of the outgoing PDP-led government under Obaseki and are poised to reward the party with their votes.
“We have done so well in Edo State,” Damagum stated. “We thank the Governor. We are very proud of him. And our records in that state speak volumes. It is part of our pride and will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy they have enjoyed under Governor Obaseki. Edo is there for us because we have performed excellently, and we will retain it for the PDP. Edo State has always been PDP.”
Damagum’s remarks underscored the PDP’s confidence in their stronghold over Edo State, highlighting the administration’s success and the governor’s impactful leadership. He also emphasized that the party and its supporters in Edo and Ondo States are prepared to safeguard their mandate and counter any attempts by the APC to undermine their position.
In his remarks, the PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Capt. Umar Bature (Retd), announced that the Edo State Campaign Council would be chaired by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Dr. Agu Kefas of Taraba State as deputies. He expressed confidence in the council’s ability to secure a favorable outcome for the PDP in the upcoming elections.
Governor Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the campaign councils, reinforced the party’s readiness to leverage Governor Obaseki’s performance and ensure electoral success. “We are ready for Edo. We will not leave anything to chance. We will leverage Obaseki’s performance,” he said. “With technology, rigging is very minimal. PDP has bright chances in the two states. Edo has registered over 2,000 new voters since registration started.”
Chief Tom Ikimi, a member of the PDP National Executive Council, also expressed optimism, stating, “We have already won the election in Edo State.”
The inauguration of the campaign councils marks a significant step in the PDP’s efforts to consolidate its presence and maintain its leadership in Edo and Ondo States, with a firm belief in the strength of their record and the support of the electorate.