Gov. Godwin Obaseki
Adebayo Fajinmi
Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki has ruled out any plan to defect from the ruling party in the state at the weekend. He said the PDP in the state has been fully harmonised, adding that the party’s constitution recognises him as the leader in the state.
Obaseki, who spoke during an expanded caucus meeting of leaders and members of the PDP in the state, said: “I can’t leave PDP. I will not decamp from the PDP; we will always win any election. PDP won in the last election and we will continue to win all elections in the state and country; nothing will stop us as a party.”
He noted that the forthcoming local government election in the state will set the template for next year’s national and legislative elections. He urged party members to reflect on the elections and work in unity to ensure victory.
Obaseki said: “There is no division in Edo PDP. Let the party be opened to accommodate others. PDP is democratic. The hallmark of democracy is ensuring that the majority has their way, as the minority can’t dictate to the people.
“I heard that Chief Dan Orbih went around, saying there is no harmonisation in Edo PDP. This is really irresponsible to say and an insult to members of the party, as the party has truly harmonised in the state.
“PDP in Edo State is harmonised because before we made any appointments in any ward, we made sure the party at that level was harmonised. We are gathered here now as election timetable is out; harmonisation has been done, appointments made and we are ready to win any election before us.”
Obaseki, who said the PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu will visit the state on Thursday, urged leaders of the party to bring along five per cent of newly registered members to welcome the former senate president.
At the meeting were: Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu; House of Assembly Speaker Marcus Onobun; senators Matthew Urhoghide and Clifford Odia; Chief Tom Ikimi; Joe Edionwele and National Youth Deputy Leader Timothy Osadolor, among others.
