Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintri and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acting national chairman, Amb Illiya Damagum, have said the PDP is ready to retain Edo State and  reclaim Ondo State in the forthcoming governorship election in both states.

Fintri and Damagum stated this yesterday during the inauguration of PDP National Campaign Councils (NCCs) for the governorship elections in the two states.

The Edo and Ondo elections are fixed for September 21 and November 16, 2024 respectively. Fintri is chairman of the Edo campaign council while his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is chairman of the Ondo campaign council.

Speaking at the inauguration, Fintri said, “We are ready for Edo. We will not leave anything to chance. We will leverage on Obasaki’s performance. We have low hanging political fruits in the two states.

“We should go with all seriousness. We will match APC. With technology, rigging is very minimal. PDP has bright chances in the two states. Edo has registered over 2000 since new registration has started,” he said.

On his part, Damagum urged the committee members to give all their support in ensuring that the party triumphs in both states, adding that they were selected for the task because they have done it effectively before.

Damagum, who said he has observed President Bola Tinubu’s remarks on Ondo and Edo, said “Like we’ve always said, he has tried it before, and we have a slogan that Edo no be Lagos. So I want to use this opportunity to stress that we are in a democratic dispensation and there are rules that have to be adhered to.

“We will not sit down and allow anybody to snatch, grab, and steal. We will be battle ready for any thief that rares his head to steal our fortune.

“We have done so well in Edo State. We thank the governor. We are very proud of him. And our records in that state speak volumes.

“And it is part of our pride. And it will be one we will use to continue giving them that dividend that they have enjoyed during Godwin Obaseki.

“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.

“We will not make the mistake we  made before. And this time around there is no announcement of result in the middle of the night.

“So I want to enjoin you, people that are going to campaign in Edo, already the Governor has laid down a very good foundation for you and we know you will make us proud.”

He urged the campaign team for Ondo to be fearless.

“So for those going to Ondo, you have a very daunting task before you. You have to open your eyes, shine your eyes. They will come with all sorts of antics, but this time around we are ready for them.

“We will match them. And I’m encouraging you to be fearless. Already they are campaigning for us. Hunger alone in this country is enough to change your sight.

“We are feeling it and everyone is looking at you. Will you allow yourself until maybe you start looking for the next grave before you change?

“So to the people of Ondo, this is another opportunity for you to change things and make things work for you. And I’m sure we will take Ondo as well. Ondo is already ours. It will remain PDP. Ondo will be for us to take,” he said.