The Edo State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a Caretaker Committee set up by its National Working Committee (NWC) to manage party affairs until new executives are elected. The committee is chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, with Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe as Secretary. Other members include Hon. Harrison Omagbon, Hon. Fidel Igenegbale, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Tony Anenih Jnr, Arch. Bishop Anthony Okosun, Hon. Segun Saiki, Adezat Kuburat Ibrahim, and Augustine Edosomwan.
The committee, established under Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP’s Constitution (2017 as amended), is mandated to oversee the party’s activities in Edo State as specified in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the party’s constitution for a maximum of 90 days or until new executives are elected.
During the inauguration ceremony at the PDP Secretariat in Benin City, Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed confidence that the PDP would reclaim its “stolen mandate” from the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the September 21 governorship election. He emphasized the importance of unity as the party embarks on the judicial process to reclaim its mandate.
Addressing party leaders, local government chairmen, and stakeholders, Obaseki stated, “We want a cohesive party as we fight for our stolen mandate and I am sure we will get it back. Our mandate was stolen in broad daylight; everybody saw how they stole the mandate of the people.”
He added, “We have evidence to show how our mandate was stolen and by the grace of God, we will recover it. It will be difficult for them to go away with this stolen mandate. We have a process in government… we have laws, and there is a way things are done. People behave as if there is no law, forgetting that we are guided by the constitution and law.”
Obaseki criticized the APC’s actions, stating, “Illegality parades the land and we have to be patient for a while as our democracy must work. We know how they stole our mandate… but let’s see how they get out of this.”
The governor reassured supporters that the PDP would not relent, noting, “Our people came out to cast their votes for our party, we are challenging that result, and we know victory will be ours. Let’s play our parts as politicians. We know these people are great liars and good at deception. We have to be out there talking and never allow their lies to take over.”
Obaseki also highlighted the importance of communication and mobilization: “The tribunal hearing will start by December, and we want the people to be alert. The people are asking questions; it shows they are interested… The party must be in touch with the local government chairmen on a weekly basis. The party must be in touch with the House of Assembly members; let the people know what is going on.”
Addressing financial concerns, he warned that during the holiday period, the opposition might spend money to sway public opinion. He revealed, “We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it… they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration, which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion.”
Obaseki assured the PDP members that he remains committed to the party: “This our stolen mandate, we will get it back, for the sake of Nigeria… This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy.”
Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate in the September 21 election, urged members to prepare for a tough legal battle. He expressed appreciation for Obaseki’s leadership and commitment, encouraging members to focus on reclaiming their mandate.
Ighodalo provided updates on the legal process, noting, “We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition. This will take us to about the 19th of November 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing, which may start by the end of November.”
He added, “Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard, and we are in difficult times; we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate.”
