The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Saturday re-elected Rt.Hon. Dr Tony Aziegbemin as chairman of the party at its state Congress held Saturday, 27 September, in Benin City.
Aziegbemin whose nomination was unopposed, polled 893 votes of the 917 accredited voters to emerge chairman, while 24 votes were voided.
Also elected were Victor Enoghama who emerged Deputy Chairman. Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe was elected Secretary, while. Hon. Monday Osaigbovo was elected ,Vice Chairman (South); Evang. Adekunle Oboh ,Vice Chairman (Central); Bar. Richard Anetekhia , Vice Chairman (North);
Ogbeide Ifaluyu-Isibor – Organizing Secretary and Bar DAN Osa-Ogbegie, Publicity Secretary.
Others are Hon John Adodo , Financial Secretary; Benedicta Attoh, Women Leader; Bar. Paul Itua , Legal Adviser; Liberty Ogboh , Treasurer; Austin Edosowan , Youth Leader and Obas Stephen , Auditor.
The newly constituted executive, which was unanimously endorsed is expected to bring what the party terms “tested experience, loyalty, and unflinching commitment” to its leadership structure.
In his acceptance speech, the chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi said the new exco will not disappoint the party , he added that their eyes are on the 2027 general election and 2028 governorship election in Edo State.
He said. “We want to tell you that the Edo State PDP will not disappoint you, our eyes are on the ball. We must remove APC in 2027 . We will make sure that we deliver Osadeby Avenue into the hand of PDP in 2028, we ‘ll make sure that we work day and night to ensure success.”
The Publicity Secretary, Daniel Osa-Ogbegie, in his words advised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), that the days of hurling insults at opposition figures, which he said has characterized the government’s style of communication is over adding, “I will not allow opposition figures in Edo State to be reduced to punching bags for reckless utterances.
“From today, every false claim, every half-truth, every attempt to malign opposition voices will be met with facts, with records, and with a resolute defence of the Edo people. Let us put an end to gutter politics and embrace responsible, issues-based debate. Kindly advise your principal accordingly.
“Let us argue on the economy, on infrastructure, on fiscal management, on the welfare of our people. Let us leave insults behind and show Edo people that leaders can disagree with honour, yet still place the progress of the state above personal pride.
“The Governor’s penchant for abusing opposition leaders is beneath the dignity of his office and will no longer be tolerated. If government believes in its policies, let it defend them with substance, not with invectives.” He said.
He further warned that the PDP will respond vigorously to any future attempts to malign opposition voices.
“From today, every false claim, every half-truth, every attempt to malign opposition voices will be met with facts, with records, and with a resolute defence of the Edo people,” he said.
Calling for a return to dignified, issue-based politics, the Publicity Secretary urged government communicators to embrace a more constructive approach.
“Let us put an end to gutter politics and embrace responsible, issues-based debate. Kindly advise your principal accordingly,” he advised.