Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs to be strengthened to enable it take over power in 2021.

Atiku who paid the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, a courtesy call on Monday said that to achieve this, there was need to take over the leadership of many states in the country.

He said: “My meeting with the governor centered on governance, current issues in the country, and how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could be strengthened to take over power in 2023.

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“Basically, we discussed about governance, the situation in the country. We discussed about our party, how our party should be strengthened and to take over leadership in as many states and also the Federal Government.”

Also, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who also paid visit to Obaseki, congratulated him on his victory in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election, hailing his government’s developmental strides across all sectors of the state.

He assured the governor that traditional rulers will continue to work with constituted authorities to move the nation forward.

He advised him not to be distracted but to remain focused and double his efforts in making life better for Edo people, particularly the youths.

Responding, Obaseki commended Atiku for his contributions to the advancement of the country’s democracy.

Obaseki said, “I cannot thank you enough for the leadership that you have continue to provide; the counsel you gave me during my electioneering; the private conversations, and the assistance you rendered to me when we joined the party; we had challenges, but you stepped up and threw your weight behind the resolution of the issues.”

Reassuring his government’s commitment to sustaining the partnership with the traditional institution in the state, Obaseki stated: “We embrace the traditional institution in Edo State as they have a deep sense of understanding of the challenges and problems in our local communities.

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“Edo State is the home of culture and tradition and we don’t joke with it. We hold our traditional institutions in high regard and will do all to protect, sustain and support them.”

The governor further commended the Ooni for his passion and commitment to the unity and development of the country.

Obaseki, who identified insecurity and food challenges as some of the biggest problems facing the nation, noted that working with the traditional institution, governments at all levels “will be able to tackle these issues which will lead to the economic development of the nation.”