From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, mocked All Progressives Congress (APC) over a controversy that trailed the nomination of its candidate in the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial poll.
Its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, while speaking at the presentation of Certificate of Return to his Ondo State governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, at the party secretariat, in Abuja, said the APC could not conduct a crisis-free primary.
Damagum said unlike other political parties, the PDP has an internal conflict resolution mechanism through which it resolves issues. The party leader, while admonishing Ajayi to reach out to other aspirants, who lost out in the gubernatorial primary, said Ondo is naturally a PDP state.
“At a time our opponents could not put their acts together, but, we in the opposition, much was expected of us and we shamed them, we produced a candidate without a dissenting voice. It is because of what we have put in place that has made this possible.
“During our stakeholders’ meeting, we agreed all the aspirants must come from the South, and by the grace of God, that is what happened. This shows the preparedness of the party to take over Ondo State.
“Even from the last election, we know Ondo is PDP and from the stakeholders’ meeting and other engagements, we were able to come out with a single candidate.
“Unlike the other parties, we have an internal working mechanism and when we talk to ourselves we are not garrison commanders, but we engage and that is why, till today, PDP remains a brand. It is the only party that you will come as nobody and become somebody.”
Ajayi, in his acceptance speech, promised to work towards winning the upcoming election scheduled for November 16, with utmost dedication.
He stated that the contest presents the PDP a unique opportunity to bring about real and sustainable development for the people of Ondo and the party.
“It is truly humbling, and I accept this responsibility and promise to carry out work towards winning the upcoming election with utmost dedication as we all embark on a new journey in service to our beloved Ondo State and our party the PDP.
“This election is a defining moment for us; it is about all of us coming together to chart a new course for Ondo State.
“It is about embracing our collective vision and aspirations for a better, more prosperous future, it, therefore, cannot be about me alone. The forthcoming November 16 governorship election, presents us a unique opportunity to bring about real and sustainable development for the people of Ondo and the PDP, as the largest political party in Africa, is positioned to lead this transformational change,” he said.
