A highly placed chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has described the victory of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), in July 14, gubernatorial election in the state as a rejection of the leadership of the party in the state.
The top party source, who spoke to our correspondents, on the condition of anonymity said the victory of Mr. Adams Oshiomhole was a result of the long years of dictatorship by Tony Anenih and his cohorts in the leadership of the party in the state.
The source said the defeat of the PDP in Edo State “is a public rejection of Anenih’s principles and leadership style”; noting that there was still ample opportunity to rescue the PDP form imminent collapse if members would be sincere to tell themselves the truth.
“If the structure of the PDP is left to remain, where Anenih, Odion Ugbesia and Dan Orbih are the only relevant voices in the party, what is seen in Edo election last saturday would be a child’s play compare to what the future elections hold for the PDP in the State”.
The top PDP stalwart said “At the moment, PDP in Edo State centres around one man and this is destructive to us and we want a change that by bringing all those who have deserted the political family back on board. We want a new leadership that can unite and build a stable political future for the party in the state”
The source lamented that Edo PDP “can’t just continue with a dictatorial person in a democratic setting like we have today. From traditional institutions, political class to the elites, there is a mass rejection of the present leadership of the PDP in Edo State,” the source said.
The source stated further that “if the political trend is allowed to continue, PDP in Edo State will not be able to win a councillor seat in future elections in the state”.