Aspirants under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State have formally all stepped down for the incumbent governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki.
Barrister Kenneth Imasuagbon, Engineer Gideon Ikhine, and Engineer Ogbeide Ihama had all showed interest to contest the governorship election under the platform of the PDP before Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki joined them after he was disqualified by the state governorship Screening Committee of the APC.
Though the aspirants publicly declared that they were stepping down for Obaseki while making their speeches when they were called upon to speak, the PDP Primary Committee led by Balla Mohammed of Bauchi State still went ahead to conduct the primary which kick started around 6:00pm.
READ ALSO: Edo Guber: Court Authenticates Ize-Iyamu’s APC Membership
In his speech, Barrister Kenneth Imasuagbon said he decided to step down for the unity of the party, just as he said the visions and missions of Obaseki are inline with his.
He noted that his stepping down for Obaseki was occasioned by the governor’s boldness to fight godfatherism, which according to him he too stands against.
“Today, I decided to step down for Obaseki for the unity and progress of our party. I decided to step down because our governor was able to fight godfatherism, and we don’t want it anymore in Edo State and Nigeria in general. I am stepping down for Obaseki because his visions and missions are inline with mine. He is a hard working governor and I want the good work to continue”, Imasuagbon said.
READ ALSO: 15 Political Parties To Participate In Edo Guber Election, Says REC
On his part, Hon. Ogbeide Ihama stated that he decided to step down for the progress of the party and that the party has been out of power for good 12 years, so it worth it stepping down for a person who returned the party to power.
He thanked Obaseki for returning the party to power after 12 years of absent in government house, Edo State.
In his speech, Engineer Ikhine said he stepped down for Obaseki because he believes in the governor for his good works.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: APC Crisis: Buhari Backs Giadom
Recall Ikhine in a press conference few days ago had declared that he was stepping down for Mr. Governor and consequently collapsed his structure across the state to that of Godwin Obaseki.
Earlier, Chairman, Edo State Governorship Primary Committee, Senator Balla Mohammed of Bauchi State said all the contestants are people of good repute going by their political pedigrees.
He stated that the party had learned from their past mistakes and ready to do the right thing, just as he described the PDP as a tested and trusted party.
He said the party is well structured and has internal democracy unlike other party wherein such is noted respected.
READ ALSO: Obaseki’s Reign In APC Was Hell, ‘We ‘ll Never Pray For Such’, Says Party Chieftain
” We are tested and trusted party. The PDP is where you enjoy internal democracy, just as you will see very soon. We may have internal rancour but I want to tell you that we resolve such amicably within ourselves without it escalating. We have learnt our lessons, so, we can’t afford to dwell in such rancor”, Balla declared
