By Jude Opara, Abuja
Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Edo and Ondo states, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed not to allow the party to be rigged out.
National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umaru Damagun while inaugurating the campaign counsels of the two states said the party has all it takes to win the two off cycle elections slated for September and November.
Damagun said the PDP is favoured to win the elections because the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed the country and nobody wants to so anything with them again.
He described the PDP as a truly democratic party adding that what the APC has done is to destroy the country due to their high-handedness in handling state affairs.
The PDP boss also said that the party unlike the other parties chose their candidates in the most democratic atmosphere underlining the reason according to him, most Nigerians are now yearning for them.
“From the way these candidates emerge, it has shown that we are truly democratic. And also this should give you the faith that what you are going to embark on will yield the desired fruits.
“I’ve just been watching the remarks especially on Ondo, and in Edo, where the President said he’s taking Ondo for his party.
“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 snap, grab, and steal. We will be battle ready for any thief that rears 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.
“So Edo is there for us because we have done very well and we will take it back to the PDP. Edo State has always been PDP. We know what happened during the other guy that held sway, even though at that time Governor Obaseki, before he saw the light, he was also lost in that.
“But to the glory of God, when the light shone on him, he was back and he was doing absolutely very well and we are proud of him.
“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 have made before. And this time around there is no announcement of result in the middle of the night.
“Let me use this opportunity to say, in Ondo State, they have had it so bad over the years and I know it is our high readiness that will allow us to take that state.
“But I am sure most of you people from Ondo have seen the situation on ground. You are now more committed, more resolved. You have a brand new candidate who is so much endowed with wisdom.
“But because we said, let it be free and fair, and he emerged without any blemish. And I believe most of those that contested with him are here today, just to show you that we are truly a democratic party.
“We don’t grab. We don’t steal. We work with the people and we open our hands to them and we show them what we will do for them.
“It is on that basis that this party still works even stronger. For the party to be where it is today, after being in an opposition for almost, we are talking about nine years, yet we can produce governors, senators, and we are still waxing stronger”.
However Damagun cautioned the Ondo council to be vigilant and ensure that they were not rigged out.
“We know their concoction. We know what they do. 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”
Responding on behalf of his Ondo campaign council chairman, Governor Ademola Adeleke who was represented, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa who is the Edo state campaign council chairman said he is not new to serving in the state when it comes to elections.
Fintiri said they are ready to work with all stakeholders in the state to ensure victory for the PDP.
He said in Edo he will leverage on the achievements of Governor Obaaeki to do the job, while the poor governance of the APC across the country will sway Ondo votes for the PDP.
“We are not bothered whether the President has spoken or not, we will match them toe to toe. These days, elections are now digitalized and the prospect of rigging has been reduced.
“We are ready to do all it takes to win. Already over 200,000 people have been registered as members of the PDP in Edo. Both Ondo and Edo guber elections are low hanging fruits for us”.
Also in his remarks, Dr. Eddy Olafesan, a former National Chairman, South West said the party has all it takes to win the Ondo guber.
Olafesan said Nigerians have been pummeled, battered and humiliated by the APC and have resolved to vote them out.
He appealed to the National Working Committee (NWC) to support the campaign councils to ensure they give the state chapters and watch them win the elections both in Ondo and Edo.
