Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has appreciated the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for nominating him for the state governorship election.
Gatekeepers News reports that Shaibu emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in the parallel Congress which was held in the state on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Edo PDP Primary Electoral Committee, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State declared another aspirant, Asue Ighodalo, the winner of another parallel PDP governorship primary election.
However, Shaibu, in a statement he signed appreciated the party for nominating him.
The Edo deputy governor wrote that he is “…deeply grateful for the immense honour you have bestowed upon me. I am immensely pleased to accept the nomination as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the highly anticipated September 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State.”
He added, “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the party delegates who participated in the primary election. Your trust and support mean the world to me and I am truly honoured to have earned your vote. Your faith in my abilities is both humbling and motivating and I promise to uphold the ideals and principles of our great party as we move forward in this journey together.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the state executive members, the senatorial leaders, local government area leaders, ward leaders and stakeholders of the PDP for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this process. Your dedication to the party’s progress and your willingness to work hand in hand with the aspirants demonstrate the spirit of unity that we strive to achieve. I am privileged to have such a committed team by my side as we embark on this new chapter.
“To the members of the National Working Committee of the PDP, I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me. Your diligence, wisdom, and commitment to democratic ideals have been the foundation upon which our party thrives. I pledge to honour your trust by engaging in vigorous campaigns, reaching out to the people of Edo State and promoting the progressive policies advocated by our great party.”
He further appreciated his fellow aspirants, adding “The spirit of healthy competition that you brought to the primaries has strengthened our party and deepened our resolve to work together for the success of the PDP.”
Shaibu, therefore, called for unity in the party ahead of the governorship election in the State.
He wrote, “At this juncture, I want us to put our differences aside and unite, for it is through unity that we will create the lasting impact that Edo State needs.
“Looking ahead, I am fully aware of the challenges that lie before us. However, fear not, for I am unyielding in my commitment to steer Edo State towards greater progress, prosperity, and unity. I promise to be a leader who listens, who stands for justice and who tirelessly advocates for the welfare of all Edo citizens.
“Edo deserves us to continually flourish and remain that template other states and countries will come to understudy and learn from. Let’s work hard to put smiles on the faces of our people, let’s make them have a deep feeling of our governance and enjoy the dividends of democracy, let’s continue to preserve our cultural heritage and keep our state’s flag flying high.
“I earnestly extend an olive branch to all members of our great party — let us work harmoniously together to emerge victorious in the forthcoming gubernatorial election. Collaboratively, we shall herald a new era of good governance, accountability, and inclusive development for the benefit of every citizen of our dear state.”
The Deputy Governor said, “Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the party delegates, the state executives, the members of the National Working Committee, and my fellow aspirants. Together, we will prevail and bring about the transformation that Edo State so rightfully deserves.
“Thank you, and may God bless you all.”