The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has responded to a statement attributed to President Bola Tinubu regarding the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States.
Speaking during the inauguration of the National Campaign Councils for both states in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum emphasized that Edo is not Lagos, subtly rejecting any attempts by the APC to assert dominance.
Damagum asserted that the PDP and the people of Edo and Ondo States are committed to defending their electoral mandates and will not allow anyone to usurp them unjustly.
He praised the outgoing PDP government in Edo led by Governor Godwin Obaseki for its record of performance and expressed confidence that the electorate would reward the party with their votes.
Regarding Ondo State, Damagum acknowledged the lessons learned during the party’s time in opposition over the past four years and expressed optimism about the effectiveness of the newly inaugurated campaign councils.
“Inaugurating these two campaign councils today, I want to remind you that our party is truly democratic,” Damagum stated.
“We believe in adherence to democratic norms and will vigorously protect our electoral fortunes from any form of malfeasance.”
He continued, addressing Tinubu’s purported statement: “We’ve heard claims about taking over Ondo, but as we say, ‘Edo no be Lagos.’
We are prepared to defend our achievements and ensure the continuation of good governance in both states.”
In his remarks, the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Retired Captain Umar Bature, announced the composition of the campaign councils.
For Edo State, the council will be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, assisted by Delta State counterpart Sheriff Oborevwori and Dr. Agu Kefas from Taraba State.
Meanwhile, Senator Ademola Adeleke, supported by Barrister Caleb Muftwan and Dauda Lawal, will lead the council for Ondo State.
Governor Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the Edo State campaign council, emphasized readiness and strategic planning to leverage the achievements of Governor Obaseki’s administration.
He highlighted the PDP’s strong organizational structure and technological advantages, minimizing concerns about electoral malpractice.
Chief Tom Ikimi, a member of the PDP National Executive Council and the campaign team, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in Edo State, declaring, “We have already won the election in Edo State.”
The inauguration of the campaign councils signals the PDP’s readiness to contest fiercely in both states, leveraging incumbency advantages and party unity to secure electoral victories in the upcoming gubernatorial polls.
Subscribe to National Updates for more News
