The Peoples Democratic Party has cascading into opposition mode, following the inauguration of its Caretaker Committee to recover what it called ‘stolen mandate’ in Saturday September 21st governorship election in Edo State.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi with Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe will serve as chairman and Secretary of the Committee, which was set up by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to run the party’s affairs with the support of other members, pending the election of new executives of the party.
It’s was also mandated to firm up unity, harmony as party explores judicial process that could lead to victory for the party and its Candidate in the election, Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie.
The Committee, derived its powers from Section 29(2)(b) of PDP’s Constitution (2017 as amended). It’s charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in Edo State, as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of the Party’s Constitution for a period not exceeding 90 days (3 months) or till a new Executive Committee is elected.
Other members of the Caretaker Committee are Hon. Harrison Omagbon, Hon. Fidel Igenegbale, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Tony Anenih Jnr, Arch. Bishop Anthony Okosun, Hon. Segun Saiki, Adezat Kuburat Ibrahim and Augustine Edosomwan.
Speaking at the inauguration at the PDP Secretariat on Friday in Benin City, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressed confidence that the party will reclaim its mandate stolen by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 21 governorship poll.
Addressing party leaders, local government chairmen, party chieftain, and other party Stakeholders, the governor charged for unity and cohesion as the party explores the judicial process to reclaim its mandate.
He said, “We want a cohesive party as we fight for our stolen mandate and I am sure we will get it back. Our mandate was stolen in broad daylight; everybody saw how they stole the mandate of the people.
“We have evidence to show how our mandate was stolen and by the grace of God, we will recover it. It will be difficult for them to go away with this stolen mandate.
“We have a process in government, they stole our mandate, yes but we have laws, and there is a way things are done. We are inaugurating a new government in Edo State and the Edo State Government is not involved.
“People behave as if there is no law, forgetting that we are guided by constitution and law; there are procedures to handle things. They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new State?”
Obaseki continued: “Illegality parades the land and we have to be patient for a while as our democracy must work. We know how they stole our mandate; we have evidence of how they stole it but let’s see how they get out of this.
“Our people came out to cast their votes for our party, we are challenging that result and we know victory will be ours. Let’s play our parts as politicians.
“We know these people are great liars and good at deception. We have to be out there talking and never allow their lies to take over.
“The tribunal hearing will start by December and we want the people to be alert. The people are asking questions; it shows they are interested. The greatest thing we need now is harmony in the party and we need to talk to our people more now.
“The party must be in touch with the Local Government chairmen on a weekly basis. The party must be in touch with the House of Assembly members; let the people know what is going on.
“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception.
The governor assured the people that he will not be far away from the party as he will never leave the party but remain in the party to give advice.
He also said, “This our stolen mandate, we will get it back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria. This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy.”
On his part, the party’s Candidate in the September 21 guber poll, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.
He charged the people to be focused on the project of reclaiming their stolen mandate.
Ighodalo noted, “We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition. This will take us to about the 19th of November 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.
“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times; we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate”, he said.
TheNewspad recalls that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate in September 20th 2020 governorship election had set up a similar mandate recovery Committee, following the declaration of Godwin Obaseki, PDP Candidate in the election
as winner in the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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