…Granted Waiver To Contest Election
Governor Godwin Obaseki on Friday afternoon, June 19, 2020, finally made his long-awaited defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He registered as a member of the party at the PDP Secretariat in Benin City, the state capital, obtaining his membership card to complete the process.
Addressing ecstatic party leaders and supporters after completing registration formalities, Obaseki promised to provide effective leadership for Edo State PDP and to lead it to victory during the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Displaying his membership card, he said: “I automatically become the leader of this party. I want to assure all of you (that) I am prepared to provide leadership.
“I am prepared to provide leadership that will lead this party to victory. I am prepared to provide leadership that will not only put PDP into office in Edo State but as a ruling party in Edo State, we will make sure that the level of progress, growth and participation in the political system and our people is unrivalled in this country.
“I am very happy to be here. With the reception I have received since I drove in here has been ecstatic. The energy I see in this party is the kind of energy I require to take Edo to the level we should go to next.”
Obaseki’s declaration for the party means the effective take-over of the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC) from which he resigned on Tuesday after being controversially disqualified from contesting the party’s forthcoming gubernatorial primary.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced a waiver for Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, to enable them contest the governorship primary on June 23.
Announcing this on his tweeter handle @officialKolaO, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, wrote “@OfficialPDPNi grants waiver for @GovernorObaseki to enable him contest the gubernatorial primary of our great party.
“Party has also approved waiver for his deputy, Philip Shuaibu”.
The party also welcomed Obaseki into its fold and all returning and new members accompanying the governor into PDP.
The PDP described Obaseki’s decision as courageous and patriotic.
The party praised the commitment, dedication and sacrifices of PDP leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members in Edo state, who had continued to work hard to keep the party alive and made it attractive to the people of Edo State.
The party stressed that Edo had always been home to the PDP adding that a PDP government will always put the interest of the people first in line with the party’s manifesto and guiding principles.
The PDP reassured all members of strict adherence to the principles of internal democracy in all its activities
