The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday issued a certificate of return to Dr Asue Ighodalo, as its candidate for the Sept.21 Edo governorship election.
The PDP acting National Chairman, Malam Umar Damagum, presented the certificate at a ceremony at the National Secretariat of the party in Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
“PDP is one and the party organised and recognised only the primary election which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin and produced Ighodalo as its candidate,” he said.
“Edo is an easy ride for us.
“We will emerge victorious. What we should be focused on now is uniting our party and bringing all stakeholders together to ensure we retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue.
“You have to put in your all going forward. I wish to use the opportunity to congratulate our party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and wish you success as you go around the state during your campaign,” he said.
Damagum added: “The PDP is one and we organised and recognized only one primary in Edo which produced Dr Asue Ighodalo.
“There are rules and guidelines in line with our party’s Constitution. We set up an electoral committee led by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal as Chairman, and the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwhori as the committee’s Co-Chairman.
“They held the primary in a transparent, fair, and credible process which was live on several television stations. To the glory of God that primary election produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as our party’s candidate.”
The party’s National Organising Secretary (NOS), Mr Umar Bature, also said that the party was fair to all aspirants in the conduct of the primary election.
“You can disagree with us but history will prove us right that we have done the right thing,” he said.
Also speaking, Ighodalo commended all stakeholders of the party for their support, promising to transform Edo to a first-world economy if elected as governor.
“I thank our party members and leaders as well as other stakeholders of the party, especially the youths, who took me through the length and breadth of Edo State during my consultation to become our party’s candidate.
“I am extremely proud to be a member of this party. I also appreciate our women for their love and support. They carried me on their back from day one.
“I am grateful for the fairness and transparency of the national leadership of the party. I salute the National Working Committee (NWC) for the transparent and fair manner in which it conducted the primary election in Edo.
“The MKO Abiola election of 1993 was the closest to what we recorded at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday, Feb. 22,” he said.
He added: “To youths, it’s our time. By the grace of God and the will of the people of Edo State, we will run a government upheld by youths and with youths. Together, we will turn Edo into a state that everyone will be proud of.
“I will show leadership and direction. Our youths have promised that they won’t fail.
“We will show the rest of the world what we can achieve together as a people. We can become a first-world sovereign in Africa. I have seen the path and together, with your support and collaboration, we will achieve this.”
Ighodalo called for a united front ahead of the September election.
“I can’t complete this gratitude without acknowledging my co-aspirants, especially those who stepped down for me from the beginning of this process up to the day of the primary election, particularly Omosede Igbinedion, who stepped down for me on the day of the primary.
“The contest is over. Let’s come together as one. We need to work together as one team. We must unite to retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue and drive the progress of our state.
“I promise that this ticket is for all of us. I will take your advice; we will work together in the interest of our people.
“You’re all great men and women with varying capabilities and capacities. We You’re all great men and women with varying capabilities and capacities,” he said.