PDP woos Obaseki, assures of level playing field

Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Edo State, leaders of the party yesterday assured all aspirants of a level playing field.

It, however, described the alleged defection of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the PDP as false, stressing however, that it would welcome the incumbent governor if he desires to join the party following unresolved disagreements in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking after a meeting with executive members of the party led by the State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, the party assured all aspirants of a level playing field.

Ogidi dismissed insinuations that the party has an anointed aspirant for the September election.

He debunked claims that Governor Obaseki intended to dump the APC for the PDP following his disagreements with National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Ogidi, who predicted victory for the PDP in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial poll, however, said PDP’s doors were opened to anybody who intended to defect to the party.

His words: “If Governor Obaseki comes we will welcome him. We can’t drive anybody from entering the party. Our doors are wide open.

“However, I am not however aware that he (Obaseki) has started negotiations with us with a view to defecting to the PDP, but if he has seen the ‘green light’ and wants to come to the PDP, he is welcome.

“We have a procedure and there will be primary election. If you win the primary, you become the candidate. We have started selling forms. The sale of forms ends on Friday. After that we screen and after screening, we go for primary and whoever wins will be our candidate.”