Prince Ejeh Josh
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship flagbearer, Dr. Peter Mbah has called on his loyalists and supporters to accommodate those that worked against his aspiration during the primary election for the collective interest and progress of the state.
The technocrat said this, weekend in a meeting with one of the pioneer support groups that rooted for his emergence as the PDP gubernatorial standard bearer in the state.
Noting that the interest of all the groups that worked for his candidature would be accommodated, Mbah said it’s time to keep expanding their support base across the state, stressing that his supporters should embrace everyone to move the state forward.
“It’s our job to keep expanding our support base irrespective of those that belong to other camps. It’s time to embrace them and welcome them to our side,” Mbah said.
While expressing his profound gratitude for the tireless efforts of the support group who had earlier dedicated their time to consult for him across the 17 local government areas of the state, the gubernatorial frontrunner stressed that he appreciated the difficulty they encountered during their tours, promising that their efforts would never be taken for granted.
“When we came to talk to you to reach out to stakeholders to convince them of our nomination based on our programmes for the state, despite the difficulty involved, you kept your eyes on the ball. You weren’t discouraged because you believed in our mission. We did not make noise about it, but gave you the snippets of what we wanted to do and you were able to reach out.
“All that is not lost on us. It is also clear that the decision made by the leaders of our party was driven by patriotism because they believed we have the capacity to take our state to a loftier height.
“I want to assure you that all the efforts, commitment and support you’ve given us, when our prayer comes to fruition, nobody will be disappointed.
“I also want to thank you for your dedication to this project, and to reassure you that what you’ve done is to announce to the whole world that, indeed, our tomorrow is here,” the governorship hopeful added.
Maintaining that the 2023 elections would be unique in the history of the nation’s electoral system because of the innovation brought about by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Electoral Act 2022, Mbah enjoined the group to make sure their presence is everywhere especially at the polling unit level, saying the votes would commence and end at the polling units.
He further charged them to rally round qualified voters and ensure that nobody is disqualified from exercising their franchise by sensitizing them on the new technology.
Speaking earlier, the PDP governorship running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai said the essence of the gathering was to appreciate the invaluable efforts made by the group, and to further remind them of the task ahead.
Enjoining the group to move to the field as from 12th October when INEC would have officially lifted the ban on electioneering campaigns, Ossai said his principal, Dr. Mbah has always recognized the group’s special place in the struggle.
According to him, more sacrifices were still expected from the consultation forum as there were still lots of work ahead of them. He told them to look at the peculiarity and dynamics of each of the zones and local government areas and work out the model that suits each of them.
Re-echoing Mbah’s position, the soon-to-be deputy governor assured that nobody that rooted for Mbah’s candidacy in the state made a mistake because settling down for the gubernatorial flagbearer was the best thing and right decision taken by them.
On his part, the coordinator of the forum, Hon. Dan Shere expressed delight over the gathering. He recalled how they started the journey when Mbah was still an aspirant in the PDP, saying they had gathered again with the candidate of the party.
Speaking on behalf of the forum in Enugu West senatorial zone, Barr. Tahill Ochi said they were ever committed to the mandate and promised that they would continue with the struggle until Mbah emerges victorious in the poll.
Hon. Okey Ogbodo who spoke for the people of Enugu East senatorial zone said they were glad to be part of the project by identifying earlier enough with the governorship candidate’s aspiration. He further assured that the group would hit the ground running once campaign commences.
The elder statesman expressed confidence that the PDP was going to win the general elections with wide margins, insisting that the party has always played the dominant role in the state and would continue to take the lead.
Speaking also for Enugu North senatorial zone, Hon. Malachy Agbo said they were proud to be referred to as those that saw tomorrow and worked towards it.
He pledged that the group would not disappoint on the mandate they’d already started, adding they would not relax until the party wins the elections.
