The Peoples Democratic Party PDP Edo State chapter has sent a cautionary message to the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, against indulging in activities that do not align with the party’s guidelines as he, Obaseki, has not exhibited fairness, equity and justice in paddling the affairs of government since his assumption of office.
In a press statement signed by the PDP Edo State Publicity Secretary, Vasco Ogie, the party assured Edo people that the choice candidate for the gubernatorial election will be nominated based on “fairness, equity and a sense of inclusion,” which are the hallmark of PDP and sworn in by the Chief Judge of Edo State, as is constitutional.
The statement read in part;
“The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party wishes to inform the general public and teeming supporters that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published its timetable for the conduct of the Governorship election in Edo State in 2024. We call on all our intending aspirants to take note of the timelines of activities.
“On Friday 29th September 2023, the Governor of Edo State, HE Godwin Obaseki addressed journalists and expressed his desire to “finish strong” and swear in a successor on November 11th 2024. We politely disagree here and make bold to state that it is the Chief Judge that has the constitutional duty to swear in who will succeed him. The Governor further stated that, “It is not in my place to now determine, appoint or anoint any successor but all I know is that in the process of seeking my successor, there must be fairness, equity, and a sense of inclusion because our goal is to keep Edo as one”. On this we agree completely with the Governor. Our only reservation on this is that he has NOT exhibited fairness, equity and justice in conducting the affairs of government since his assumption of office.
“We hereby assure Edo people that the ideals of “fairness, equity, and a sense of inclusion” mentioned above are the hallmarks of PDP which will not be lost in our quest to nominate a gubernatorial candidate in 2024, from amongst our committed and dedicated Party loyalists who have stood by the Party all these years. Our nominee will be a candidate acceptable to all Edo people. The guidelines of the Party will be strictly adhered to in nominating the candidate.”
The statement further read that while they await on the electoral body and the party’s National Working Committee NEC as regards guidelines, party men should be assured that credible primaries will be conducted.
“While we await the publication of the guidelines for activities from the National Working Committee, we assure all our party faithful that we shall conduct a free and fair process to pick a candidate in February 2024.”