Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on Friday expressed confidence in reclaiming the mandate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which he claims was usurped by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 21 gubernatorial election polls.
Mr. Obaseki described this as the Edo State chapter of the PDP inducting members of the caretaker committee set up by the party’s national working committee to oversee party affairs until a new executive is elected.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Tony Ajigbemi and headed by Henry Duke Tennebe.
Other committee members include Harrison Omagbon, Fidel Aigenegbare, Chris Nehikare, Tony Aneni Jr., Archbishop Anthony Okosun, Segun Saiki, Adezat Ibrahim and Augustine Edsomwan.
Addressing party leaders, local government chairpersons, chiefs and other stakeholders, Governor Obaseki called for unity and unity as the party moves through judicial proceedings to reclaim its mandate.
“We must remain united and resolute as we seek justice and prepare for the future,” he said.
“We want a party united to protect the mission that was stolen, and we are confident we will get it back. Our mission was stolen in broad daylight. Everyone saw it.
“We have evidence of how our mission was stolen and by the grace of God we will get it back. It will be difficult for them to take away this stolen mission. We have no government processes in place. And they stole our mandate, yes, but we have laws and we have a way of doing things. State governments are not involved.
“People act as if the law doesn’t exist and forget that we are guided by the Constitution and the law. There are procedures for handling things. They are having an inauguration. But the governor wasn’t even invited. It’s like they’re starting a new government and a new country.
“We have to be patient for a while because illegal activities are rampant across the country and democracy has to function. We need to understand how they stole our mission. We know how they stole it, but let’s see how they get out of this situation.
“Our people came to vote for our party. We are contesting the results and we know that victory will be ours. Let’s play our part. We know these people are great liars and deceivers. We must speak out and never allow their lies to take over. No.
“Court hearings are scheduled to begin by December and we want the public to be alert. People are asking questions. It shows they are interested. What we need now is a party It’s about internal harmony, and now we need to talk more with the people.The party has to communicate with local government chairs on a weekly basis.The party has to communicate with members of parliament about what’s going on. Please let people know if you are there.
“During this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the public. They will struggle to change their perceptions. There is almost 27 billion naira that they have to pay on obligations, but they have started to spend it and borrow money for the inauguration, which will cost them between 2 billion naira and 5 billion naira. is the first money collected from the national treasury.
The governor assured the people that he will not be far from the party as he will never leave the party but will remain with the party to give advice.
He added: “We will reclaim this stolen mission for Nigeria, because if we allow the APC to follow our stolen mission, it will mean the end of Nigeria’s democracy.” he added. This fight is not for our candidates, but for Nigerians and the democracy of our country. ”
