EDO 2020: PDP aspirant, Ikhine, steps down for Obaseki
An aspirant in the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Primary election, Engr. Gideon Ikhine has stepped down, declaring support for the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Ikhine, who declared his support for the governor at his campaign office in Benin City, noted that his decision was to allow the governor consolidate on his developmental strides in Edo State.
According to him, “Governor Godwin Obaseki is a prayer-answered for the PDP. We might have a common vision but the means of achieving them may be at variance but God has brought them to reality.”
Urging his supporters to support the re-election of the incumbent governor, Ikhine said, “We want to ask for your support and to ensure that everyone that has worked with us across the state redoubles their efforts in ensuring that the margin of victory between the PDP and the opposition is wider.”
On his part, Governor Obaseki reassured that his administration will continue to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of all Edo people, adding, “PDP is Edo and Edo is PDP. Together, we shall bring Edo to where God has destined it to be”.
The governor continued, “Governance has to be about the people, not about a few individuals. It has to be about translating the norm and the new value where we say white is white and black is black. We have to rebuild our great party; if PDP were not in the State, l may not have switched to PDP.
“Today is the beginning of a new dawn in our party. What we are doing is a merger. What one person was doing before, two persons will now be doing the same thing. The victory will be for us all.
“Therefore, everyone must have a space in the party. We want to build a party that is fair and democratic, where every group in Edo State will see that there is something in the party. I want to build a party that is based on fairness, equity and justice.”
Obaseki’ll sustain devt strides in Edo for another 4 years, says Okowa
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said he is confident that his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki will sustain the developmental strides being recorded by his administration for another four years when he is re-elected in office.
Okowa said this during a solidarity visit to Governor Obaseki, at the Government House in Benin City, noting that the governor’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a blessing to the PDP in Edo State.
He expressed support for Governor Obaseki’s aspiration to become the flagbearer of the PDP in the 2020 gubernatorial election.
Okowa said, “I am here to rejoice with my brother who has come to join the PDP and with our party leaders for allowing the governor to be part of the PDP family.”
He added that he is optimistic that the developmental strides Governor Obaseki is known for while in the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be sustained now that he is with the PDP, noting, “We have come to felicitate and rejoice with our brother. It is clear that the governor is doing a great job in Edo State. I’m proud to associate with him and believe that he has come to a party where there are no restrictions.”
On his part, Governor Obaseki said his vision for the party is to bring governance to the door step of Edo people and contribute to sustaining harmonious relations among party members.
He noted, “My responsibility is to ensure PDP continues to enjoy victory in Edo State. We are a united house in the PDP.”
While assuring the party members of peaceful resolution of all matters concerning the primary election, he noted that there will be a level playing field during the exercise billed for Thursday, 25th June, 2020.
