From Moshood Karim
The Edo North PDP leaders forum has expressed deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent announcement of the Fugar endorsement of Mr. Asue Ighodalo for the governorship of Edo State.
The forum noted with disgust and disclosed that this decision is in complete contrast to the principles of democracy and the promotion of a level playing ground for all PDP members who meet the necessary criteria to run for office.
The forum also highlighted that in the 25 years of democracy in Nigeria, the PDP has moved away from such practices of foisting aspirants on the people and has instead emphasized the importance of a free, fair and transparent democratic process. The endorsement of Mr. Asue Ighodalo by the Fugar community is seen as a violation of these principles and a setback to the progress that has been made in the party’s democratic processes.
It is the belief of the Edo North PDP leaders forum that all aspirants should have an equal opportunity to contest for the party’s ticket and ultimately, the governorship position in Edo state. The forum has therefore called for a review of the endorsement process and for the party leadership to take necessary steps to ensure that all members are given an opportunity to participate in a free and fair democratic process.
In a statement on Wednesday, a copy of which was made available to Uptown Press, the Forum noted as follows:
The Edo North PDP leaders forum notes with grave sadness and total disgust, the purported Fugar endorsement of Mr. Asue Ighodalo, an aspirant for the exalted office of Governor of Edo state.
The entire process and pronouncement is in absolute variance with the principles of democracy and a free, fair and level playing ground for all bonafide PDP members who meet the criteria to run for office .
In the 25 years of our democracy, the party has moved away from such draconian and illegal means of foisting aspirants on the people .
It was therefore a disgrace to watch the pathetic drama that played out in Fugar by a bunch of inconsequential Political efulefus who amused their audience with the said adoption at the meeting.
Needless to say the conveners of that gathering had no locus standi to parade themselves as custodians, judge and jury over the party candidate come February, 2024.
It begs the question, what legacy will this group of Men involved with this dishonest and unlawful act bequeath to the younger generation of PDP faithfuls in Edo North?
The Edo North leaders forum hereby states unequivocally, that all party aspirants for the office of Governor (whether from the North, South or Central districts of the state) will be given free, fair and level playing ground to actualise their ambition in accordance with the party guidelines and constitution.
We urge party members to beware of this deceit and be on full alert of the nefarious activities of these people .
It is pertinent to note that we reject in absolute terms the so called endorsement of Mr. Asue Ighodalo in Edo North .
Signed
PDP Edo North, Senatorial Chairman.
Hon. Saiki Balogun
PDP Senatorial Secretary.
Hon. Baba Sheriff Idenobemhe
PDP, Akoko-Edo
1. LGA Chairman Hon. Kayode Ogunubi.
2. Leader Eng. Fred Attah.
3. Leader Barr. Bankole Balogun.
PDP, Estako Central
1. LGA Chairman. Hon. Kassim Abdulkareem.
2. Leader Alhaji Aminu Isunuevho Iloremhe.
3. Leader Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf Shaban.
PDP, Estako West.
1. LGA Chairman. Momodu Abdulkarim Azegbeobor
2. Leader Alhaji Duru Sule Yesufu
3. Leader Clement Osikhena
PDP, Estako East
1. LGA Chairman. Hon. Umoru Vincent Ekpemoriri.
2. Leader. Barr. Tony Innih.
3. Leader. Hon. Abas Momoh Jega
PDP, Owan East
1. LGA Chairman. Hon. Leslie Aikhumenkeokhai Ebozojie
2. Leader. Hon. George Izobo
3. Leader. Hon. Felix Isuku.
PDP, Owan West
1. LGA Chairman. Hon. Moses Omogbai.
2. Leader. Comrade Samson Ojeawere.
3. Leader. Barr. Adelaja David Okun
It is hoped that this call for a review of the endorsement process will lead to a more inclusive and democratic process that will ensure that the most qualified aspirant emerges as the PDP candidate for the governorship election in Edo state.
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