The Edo North PDP Progressive Leaders Forum has called for the immediate resign of the state party chairman, Tony Aziegbemi over his controversial statement on the 2024 governorship election.
The forum made the call in a statement issued on Monday and signed by all its leaders.
It condemned the viral statement made by Aziegbemi, who stated that the next governor of the state must be of Esan extraction.
The forum, in the statement, also rallied passed a vote of confidence on the National Chairman of the PDP (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, in the quest to produce the next governor of Edo State.
The statement read : We note with grave sadness and apprehension the purported statement issued by a group of former office holders concerning the political situation and imminent Governorship elections in Edo state .
The forum wishes to state that it is in no way supportive of the position held by these ex-office holders who claim to speak on behalf of Edo North Leaders .
The forum states the need to depart from unproductive matters, that the exigencies of the time demand a firm, honest, collective, progressive, and forward thinking approach as it affects the party .
We therefore hereby state as follows :
1. The political situation in Edo sate fuelled and driven by the Governor can not be allowed to produce the party’s candidate in the next election.
2. The forum totally condemns the divisive and reckless statements of the party Chairman which is tantamount to introducing tribal politics into Edo state and thus bringing the PDP into disrepute.
3. The forum further notes that the State Chairman of the party should, as a matter of honour, resign with immediate effect.
4. The forum agreed unanimously that the candidate of the party must emerge from a democratic process guided by the party’s guidelines.
5. The forum believes in the fundamental democratic right of any aspirant from any part of the state to contest the Governorship elections.
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6. Furthermore, this fundamental right is a constitutional right enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)
7. The forum states very vigorously that the process must be open to all party members whose contributions and presence in party affairs and matters are well documented over several years.
8. The forum notes with appreciation the staunch and indefatigable position on fundamental issues of integrity and justice for the PDP canvassed by Chief Dan Orbih.
9. The forum passed a vote of confidence on the Leader of the party and South -South Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih.
10. The forum further urges all loyal PDP members across Edo North and, indeed, the state to rally round its leader, Chief Dan Orbih, as we approach 2024.
