As campaigns for the 2019 Local Government Elections in Benue State begin, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said it will not be complacent by taking the opposition for granted at the coming polls.
The State Chairman of PDP, Mr. John Ngbede stated this in a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom in Makurdi.
Ngbede, who assured that PDP will leave nothing to chance disclosed that the party has since unveiled its schedule of activities in preparation for the polls.
According to the Chairman, “The party has set timelines for conduct of the various activities necessary for the nomination of candidates to fly its flag at the polls to elect chairmen and councillors into the 23 local government councils in the state.
“PDP is the ruling party in the state and has overwhelming strength on ground with three out of three Senators, six out of 11 House of Representatives members (one inconclusive) and 23 out of 30 House of Assembly members.
“Such strength derives from the massive goodwill and support of the people which propelled it back to power after suffering defeat at the 2015 elections.
“However, the party under the leadership of State Chairman, John Ngbede, has resolved not to be complacent by taking the opposition for granted at the coming council polls.”
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Ngbede disclosed that from the day campaigns were declared open by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, PDP had taken the lead in preparation, holding series of meetings from which its guidelines and timelines of activities were drawn.
He said aspirants to the various positions on the party’s platform have since commenced purchasing of nomination forms and described the atmosphere in the party as that of an army going to battle with singleness of purpose and determination.
The Chairman equally stated that going into the coming council polls, PDP will be mindful that the opposition in the last elections won a number of seats at the Federal and State legislative houses and posted strong performances at the governorship and presidential rounds of the polls.
“The party understands that the dynamics which played out to the favour of the opposition in those areas where it won are still capable of playing out, if same conditions are allowed to apply.
“It is, therefore, the watchword of the Ngbede led Executive Committee of the party that no stone should be left unturned and nothing should be taken for granted.”
He however assured that the party will be combing the grassroots across the state for the goodwill and support of the people to earn their mandate freely and fairly at the 2019 council elections.
“To the opponent, Benue PDP says, “Meet us on the field of contest,” he added.
