Ahead Of PDP Primaries: Okowa Tells Obaseki “South-south Govs. Will Back You”

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Godwin Obaseki is not leaving any stone unturned in his bid to get the nod of his new Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to fly the party’s flag in the governorship primaries.

The former All Progressives Congress, APC, member has aligned and re-aligning with key and prominent stalwarts of the PDP to get the ticket.

Strengthening the existing brotherly relationship over the years between Edo and Delta States, Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, was at the Edo State Government House on Sunday, June 21, 2020 to formally congratulate and welcome his friend and the newest governor of the PDP, Governor Obaseki to the fold.

Obaseki parted ways with the APC last week after a fierce battle against alleged dictatorship and political godfatherism with his predecessor, and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

Governor Obaseki bid the Party farewell as a result of the overbearing influence of Oshiomhole, which played out  in his disqualification at the screening of Edo governorship aspirants in Abuja, a development which has generated political “bad blood” within the leadership, rank and file of the Party.

After a fruitful meeting with governor Obaseki, his deputy Philip Shaibu , some leaders and chieftains of PDP in Edo State, ahead of the September 19 governorship election; Governor Okowa assured that South-South Governors will throw their  weight behind Obaseki in the ongoing elections in the state.

He described Obaseki as a man of integrity whose mind remained focused on bringing substantial dividends of democracy to the good people of Edo State, noting that the incumbent governor and his team have been doing a great job in the state with several restrictions, and that having come to PDP where there are no restrictions, he will do more for the people.

Governor Okowa who doubles as the Chairman of the South-South PDP Governors Forum, appealed to all members of the party in Edo State, to ensure they work together to deliver the party in the coming elections, adding that PDP is a great party built around the people and would always work in the interest of the people.

“I came here today to felicitate with my brother Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki for joining us at the biggest party in Africa.

“I welcome him today because in the spirit of the old Bendel, we are united as brothers.

“I want to thank our party people in Edo State for opening their arms to welcome the Governor,” Okowa said.

Responding, Obaseki thanked his Delta counterpart for the visit assuring that he will do everything possible to ensure victory for the party in the state.

He said the PDP is a big United party in Edo, adding that whoever emerges in the governorship primaries will get the support of the people.

“I made it a point of duty not to take the PDP membership card until I must have visited all the aspirants for Governorship in the PDP as a mark of respect for them.

“As I have come to join you, my doors are opened. There are lots of work to do. As a united House we can go home and conquer. I want to thank you for welcoming me to the party. By the grace of God we will return power to the people in the state,” he stated.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu; former Governor Lucky Igbinedion; National Vice Chairman, PDP Elder Emmanuel Ogidi; Edo State PDP Chairman Mr Tony Aziegbeni; former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadhome; Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Chief Tom Ikimi, former Works Minister Arc. Mike Onolememem, among others.