The much-awaited day finally came as Governor Godwin Obaseki formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after his recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress.
He was received by the leadership of the party led by the state Chairman of the PDP, Hon Tony Aziegbemi.
JUST IN: Obaseki Defects To PDP – Edo PDP Chairman Confirms
He just arrived the state Secretariat of the PDP along 1st East Circular Road with many of his followers and appointees.
Breaking News! The governor of Edo State, H. E. @GovernorObaseki has defected to our great Party, the @OfficialPDPNig. The declaration was made this afternoon at the state Secretariat of our party in Benin city, Edo State. Power to the people. #EdoIsPDP. @officialKolaO pic.twitter.com/GV36MSYrGx
— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) June 19, 2020
Shortly after his resignation from the APC, Obaseki visited Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his Akwa-Ibom State counterpart, Udom Emmanuel.
This comes a week after he was screened out and declared unfit to participate in the APC primary election ahead of the September 19 governorship poll in Edo State.
Court Extends Order Stopping Obaseki From Arresting Oshiomhole
On Friday last week, the Screening Committee led by Professor Jonathan Ayuba submitted its report to the party’s leadership after it screened Governor Obaseki who is seeking re-election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and four other aspirants.
The other aspirants include Dr. Pius Odubu, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Osaro Obazee, and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.
While presenting the committee’s report, Professor Ayuba informed the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and other chieftains at the party’s secretariat that Governor Obaseki and two others were screened out, but Ize-Iyamu and two other aspirants were cleared to participate in the primaries.
He explained that Governor Obaseki was disqualified on the grounds that his HSC and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates were “defective”.
JUST IN: Edo APC Reacts To Obaseki’s Resignation
The disqualification of the governor was criticised by some individuals and groups who alleged that it could be a fallout of the lingering dispute between him and his predecessor, Oshiomhole.
Although Governor Obaseki had taken some reconciliatory moves before the screening exercise, he told Channels Television in an earlier interview that he does not expect to get justice.
In his reaction shortly after his disqualification by the screening committee chairman on Democracy Day, the governor said he would not appeal the decision.
JUST IN: Obaseki In Meeting With Secondus, Wike, Tambuwal, Set To Join PDP
A statement by his spokesman, Crusoe Osagie, described the screening exercise as a mockery of the democratic process.
It added that the governor had asserted that there was no way he would get a fair assessment in the run-up to the nomination of the party’s flagbearer in the election.
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.
