The Peoples Democratic Party has unveiled strategies to win the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states even as he named leaders for its campaigns.
Party leaders spoke during the inauguration of the PDP National Campaign Councils (NCCs) for the twin governorship elections, on Thursday.
The event, anchored by the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Illiya Damagun, appointed Governor Ahmadu Fintri of Adamawa as chairman of the Edo campaign council and his counterpart Senator Ademola Adeleke as the leader of the Ondo campaign council.
“We are ready for Edo. We will not leave anything to chance. We will leverage Obaseki’s performance. We have low-hanging political fruits in the two states,” Governor Fintri asserted confidently during his speech at the inauguration.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Edo’s recent voter registrations and highlighted the minimal risk of electoral malpractice with technological advancements.
In a similar vein, Amb Illiya Damagum rallied support for the party’s campaigns in both states, urging committee members to channel their efforts towards ensuring resounding victories.
“We were selected for this task because we have proven our effectiveness before. Now, more than ever, we must deliver,” he remarked passionately.
Damagum’s address was punctuated with a sharp rebuttal to perceived electoral strategies by the APC, referencing comments made by President Bola Tinubu. “Edo no be Lagos,” he stated firmly.
“We will not sit idly by and watch our victories stolen. We will be battle-ready for any threat to our success,” he warned, alluding to past electoral challenges faced by the party.
Reflecting on PDP’s achievements under Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration in Edo, Damagum expressed pride in the party’s track record. “Our records in Edo speak volumes. We owe it to the people to continue delivering dividends of democracy,” he affirmed.
Speaking on the Ondo campaign, Damagum said, “To those heading to Ondo, the task is daunting but surmountable. We must be vigilant against all forms of electoral manipulations,” he urged, calling for fearlessness and resilience in the face of opposition tactics.
“Already, they are campaigning against us. The hardships faced by Nigerians alone could sway sentiment, but we are ready. We will match them step for step,” Damagum declared.
Edo and Ondo States are critical battlegrounds between the ruling APC and the PDP.
Scheduled for September 21 and November 16, 2024, respectively, these elections will determine the leadership of two strategic states in Nigeria.
In Edo State, the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, originally elected under the APC banner in 2016, switched allegiance to the PDP in 2020 following a contentious primary election within the APC.
Obaseki’s defection was pivotal, leading to his successful reelection in the 2020 gubernatorial election.
The PDP, buoyed by Obaseki’s popularity and performance, aims to retain the state against an APC eager to regain lost ground.
In Ondo State, the APC currently holds power through Lucky Aiyedatiwa who succeeded the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who died in office.
Both states present unique challenges and opportunities for the leading parties.
The APC seeks to maintain its incumbency advantage, at the centre, through strategic alliances, while the PDP banks on dissatisfaction with current governance, promising to capitalize on voter sentiment and deliver alternative governance solutions.
As the election dates draw nearer, political activities are intensifying, with both parties mobilizing resources, strategizing campaign initiatives, and engaging in grassroots outreach to secure electoral victories.
