Go and Conquer, PDP Charges Campaign Councils for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Guber Polls

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Ahead of three governorship elections in Bayeslsa, Imo and Kogi States, later in the year, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  yesterday, inaugurated its National Campaign Council for the three governorship elections slated for November 11, with a charge to ‘go and conquer.’

The charge was given by the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, at the presentation of certificates of return and inauguration of the campaign councils at the party’s national secretariat, Abuja.

Damagun urged members of the campaign team in the three states to deploy their knowledge of the political terrain to woo supporters to the party and vote the PDP candidates on November 11.

Not unaware of the distance some political parties walk during campaigns, the PDP boss reminded members of the campaign teams not to do anything unlawful, saying the fact that other parties did such things was not enough for PDP members to do the same.

“You have been selected carefully because of what you can do, regardless of where you come from. We have confidence in you that you will go there and conquer. We expect nothing but victory.

“You are going in at a time whereby the country as it is, everybody is feeling the burden of the mistakes that have happened in this country. What is expected of you is go there and remind them that this is not what we bargained for, and that there is a time God in his infinite mercy, give us to change the course of history, and this is the time.

“We will have Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi. These are PDP states. Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor. I want to challenge everyone in this country to look at the states governed by PDP governors viz-a-viz the other parties. We have always excelled.”

Bayelsa State Governor and candidate of the party, Duoye Diri, told journalists at the event that PDP was a united party in the state, and that on a scale of 100, the party enjoyed 80 per cent compared with 20 per cent for others.

“PDP is very sure of victory in Bayelsa State. We don’t have any internal crisis in the PDP in Bayelsa State. We are well organised and as a matter of fact, we have more members of the opposition coming into PDP in Bayelsa State.

“Bayelsa PDP is very strong, vibrant and poised to win the election. If I should give you on a scale, it would be like 80-20 per cent.  Bayelsans have resolved unanimously that PDP as exemplified by me, doesn’t need to change players in a winning team,” he said.

Governorship candidate for Imo State and National Secretary of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, similarly expressed optimism in the chances of the PDP in the State.

“Imo is traditionally a PDP state. What you have there now is a product of the court. I am back to reclaim the mandate of the PDP,” he assured.

On his part, candidate for Kogi State, Dino Melaye, said with him as the PDP flag bearer, the All Progressives Congress would become history in November.

“I just want to announce that as far as this election is concerned in Kogi State, APC is history. APC has gone to oblivion. PDP is the party to beat in Kogi State and I assure the people of Kogi State, that my name is Daniel and Daniel is used to taming lions. I befriend lions, I kiss lions and subdue lions,” he said.

Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the Chairmen of the Governorship Campaign Councils for the three states, Governor Adeleke described the PDP as a widely beloved political party that has worked and is still working to satisfy the aspirations of our people.