Follow Us on Google
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Former Chairman Board of Directors, Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA), Chief Patrick Ogbu, has declared his intention to contest for the Chairmanship position of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Benue state.
Mr Ogbu, who made the declaration in his Makurdi residence, on Friday, said “I firmly believe that together we can achieve remarkable progress and prosperity for our beloved state. It is in this spirit that I offer myself as a capable and committed leader.”
Ogbu said that throughout his political journey, he has been fortunate to learn from leaders of the party such as the late Chief David Attah, Senator David Mark and other influential figures who have shaped the political landscape of the nation.
Ogbu, a one time Caretaker Secretary of the PDP in Plateau State led by Sen Tunde Ogbeha and a 2023 governorship aspirant in Benue State stated that “I am PDP and PDP is Patrick Ogbu. I have been in this party right from inception; 1998 to date and I have been faithful and worked for the party.
“My dedication to the PDP dates back to its inception in 1998, and my unwavering commitment to our party’s ideals and principles has remained steadfast.
“I have had the great honour to serve as a member of campaign organisations under esteemed leaders like Sen. George Akume, Sen. David Mark, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, Chief Samuel Ortom, Sen. Abba Moro, Francis Otta and many others. My experience spans various roles, from serving as a Director to leading campaign efforts at the grassroots level.
“This invaluable exposure has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to effectively lead our party to new heights.
“My commitment and passion for our party’s success run deep, and I am ready to channel this energy into transformative action,” he said.
He noted that now, more than ever, the party needs strong and capable leaders to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie before it insisting that he possessed the necessary qualities to galvanize the party.
He urged his friends and party members to trust and support him to achieve the vision for the leadership of the party saying “By harnessing the power of unity, we can forge a path towards prosperity, progress, and inclusivity.”
He pledged to be a unifying force within the party, bridging divides, fostering cooperation and collaboration among members, and working tirelessly towards achieving shared goals.
According to him, his era will usher in prosperity and progress for all, leaving no one behind.
Also speaking, a former aide to the National Youth leader of PDP, Mr Edwin Adayi, expressed dissatisfaction with the way the PDP is ran in the state and at the national level.
He argued that the strength of any nation lies on the institutions called political party saying “It is the strength on which projects and programmes are instituted and as such we don’t need a mediocres.
“This is because he needs to manage people, churn out programmes that will ensure that the wellbeing of the people are guaranteed.
“So party management and administration should be beyond godfathism but based on merit and professionalism because politics is a serious business.”
Adayi said Mr Ogbu has been tested several times and he performed well. “He is qualified by every ramifications. He has what it takes to manage the diversity and can manage the party to become a whole body that we can be proud of.”
He cautioned that there should be no imposition of candidates but that democratic process should be allowed take place as godfather phenomenal is not working anymore.
“It’s not working in Benue state, not Cross River state and not elsewhere. Let the people decide who they want,” he added.
A governorship aspirant at the 2023 general election, Mrs Susan Waya, adjudged Mr Ogbu as qualified for the position saying if given the mantle of chairman of the party in the state, he will do well
Meanwhile, the Chairman of PDP in Igumale ward I, in Ado LGA, Mr Solomon Onwe, said PDP has been strong in the area due to the contributions of Chief Patrick Ogbu. He said they would support him to ensure his vision is achieved.
Present during the declaration were former governorship aspirants in the 2023 general election, including Chief Elvis Attah, Mrs Susan Waya, Mr Julius Atorough among others.
