Edo PDP Sets Up Caretaker Committee, Hopeful To Reclaim ‘Stolen Mandate’

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State has inaugurated the Caretaker Committee Members set up by the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to run the party’s affairs pending the election of new executives.

The Committee is chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, with Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe as Secretary, was set up in pursuant of Section 29(2)(b) of PDP’s Constitution (2017 as amended), is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in Edo State, as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of the Party’s Constitution for a period not exceeding 90 days (3 months) or till a new Executive Committee is elected.

The State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, while speaking at the inauguration at the PDP Secretariat in Benin City, expressed confidence that the party would reclaim its mandate stolen by the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the September 21 governorship poll.

While addressing party leaders, local government chairmen, party chieftain, and other party stakeholders, the governor called for unity and cohesion as the party explores the judicial process to reclaim its mandate.

“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.

“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, they stole our mandate, yes but we have laws, and there is a way things are done. We are inaugurating a new government in Edo State and the Edo State Government is not involved.

“People behave as if there is no law, forgetting that we are guided by constitution and law; there are procedures to handle things. They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new State,” he said.

He assured the people that he will not be far away from the party as he will never leave the party but remain in the party to give advice.

On his part, the party’s candidate in the September 21 guber poll, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.

He thanked the governor for his focus, determination and for leading the people right, charging the people to be focused on the project of reclaiming their stolen mandate.

Ighodalo noted, “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.

“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.”

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