According to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have a difficult time winning governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
Umar Damagum, the party's acting national chairman, made the statement when launching the PDP National Campaign Councils for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Damagum, the way the candidates emerged in the two states indicated that the party will win the elections.
He voiced confidence in the party's ability to win the Edo and Ondo elections, stating that it would not accept defeat in either state.
Damagum claimed that Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State had already laid the groundwork for the party's success in the state elections.
"We will not sit back and allow anyone to search, grab, or steal. We will be prepared to face any thief who attempts to steal our fortune.
"We've done exceptionally well in Edo State. We thank the governor. We are quite proud of him. Our records from that state speak eloquently.
"So, to those that think they will take Edo, I want to tell them that it is going to be very difficult for them because we are in a democratic dispensation," he responded.
Damagum stated that Ondo was already set for the PDP to win and recommended the state's residents to view the upcoming election as another opportunity to change things to their advantage.
"I understand that our arrogance caused us to miss that state. However, I am confident that the majority of Ondo residents have witnessed the scenario firsthand.
"You are now more committed and determined. You have a fresh candidate who is really wise. "If I may say so, his emergence has God's hand in it," he remarked.
Damagum challenged the two campaign councils with facing the tough struggle ahead, being brave, and working for the party's triumph.
"You need to open and shine your eyes. They'll arrive with all sorts of shenanigans, but this time we're prepared. "We will match them," he stated.
Damagum promised that the party will provide them with the necessary support to complete their responsibilities in the two states.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa chairs the Edo council, which has 148 members. Governors Sherrif Oborevwori of Delta and Kefas Agbu of Taraba serve as deputy chairmen.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun chairs the Ondo Campaign Council, which has 177 members, with Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau serving as deputy chairperson.
Speaking on behalf of the campaign councils, Gov. Fintiri assured the PDP of the members' dedication to the task.
He claimed that the PDP had better chances in both states.
"We're ready for Edo. We shall leave nothing to chance. We will capitalize on Obaseki's performance.
"We have low-hanging political fruit in both states. We should proceed with full sincerity
"The PDP has a good chance in both states. "Edo has registered over 2,000 since new registration began," Fintiri stated.
PDP Chieftain in Edo, Chief Tom Ikimi, expressed confidence that the PDP would win Edo based on Obaseki's performance.
Ikimi stated that Obaseki had established himself as one of the top governors in the country.
"He is the first governor to be bold enough to step forward to make a basic salary of N70,000 to every worker," according to him.
Ikimi also stated that the PDP candidate in Edo, Asue Ighodalo, has the ability to turn the state around.
Dr. Eddy Olafeso, former PDP National Chairman for the South-West, expressed optimism that the Ondo tale would be one of success and victory.
Olafeso stated that party officials and stakeholders were united in their support for Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate in the state.
He stated that all that was required at the time was the complete backing of the party's leaders and elected members. (NAN)