The Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated national campaign councils for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
The move is seen as a strategic step towards reclaiming Ondo and retaining Edo, with the elections scheduled for September 21 and November 16, 2024, respectively.
Governor Ahmadu Fintri of Adamawa State will chair the Edo campaign council, while Senator Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, will lead the Ondo campaign council.
PDP’s acting national chairman, Amb Illiya Damagum, expressed confidence in the party’s chances, vowing to prevent any attempts to “snatch” or “steal” their victory.
The party is banking on its past performance in Edo State and the current political landscape in Ondo State to secure wins in both states, according to Leadership.
With the campaign councils in place, the PDP is poised to launch robust campaigns in the coming weeks.
Speaking at the inauguration, Fintri said, “We are ready for Edo. We will not leave anything to chance. We will leverage on Obasaki’s performance. We have low hanging political fruits in the two states.
“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 2000 since new registration has started,” he said.
Damagum, who said he has observed President Bola Tinubu’s remarks on Ondo and Edo, said “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 that rares 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 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 made before. And this time around there is no announcement of result in the middle of the night.
“So I want to enjoin you, people that are going to campaign in Edo, already the Governor has laid down a very good foundation for you and we know you will make us proud.”
He urged the campaign team for Ondo to be fearless.
“So for those going to Ondo, you have a very daunting task before you. You have to open your eyes, shine your eyes. They will come with all sorts of antics, but this time around we are ready for them.
“We will match them. And I’m encouraging you to be fearless. Already they are campaigning for us. Hunger alone in this country is enough to change your sight.
“We are feeling it and everyone is looking at you. Will you allow yourself until maybe you start looking for the next grave before you change?
“So to the people of Ondo, this is another opportunity for you to change things and make things work for you. And I’m sure we will take Ondo as well. Ondo is already ours. It will remain PDP. Ondo will be for us to take,” he said.