By Peter Duru

Former Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Chief Partick Ogbu has declared his intention to run for the State chairmanship position of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State.

Making his formal declaration weekend in Makurdi, Chief Ogbu said he was eminently qualified to lead the party after garnering enough experience from the founding fathers and notable leaders of the PDP and as a member of the party since 1998 who had served in various positions of responsibility.

The former Caretaker Secretary of the PDP in Plateau State said, “with all sense of sincerity, I am proud to say that I am PDP and PDP is Patrick Ogbu. I have been in this party right from its inception in 1998 to date and I have been faithful and worked for the party.

“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.

“With utmost sincerity, I can proudly say that PDP is synonymous with Patrick Ogbu. I have dedicated myself tirelessly to advancing our party, actively participating in activities at the local, state, and national levels. My commitment and passion for our party’s success run deep, and I am ready to channel this energy into transformative action.

“Now, more than ever, our party needs strong and capable leadership to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie before us. I possess the necessary qualities to galvanize our party, combining my experience, expertise, and unyielding dedication. Together, we can mobilize, inspire, and effect positive change within our ranks and beyond.

“However, I cannot achieve this vision alone. I wholeheartedly seek your support, trust, and belief in our collective ability to make a difference. Together, we can amplify our voices, engage with the media, and mobilize support across the state. By harnessing the power of unity, we can forge a path towards prosperity, progress, and inclusivity.”

The former governorship aspirant assured that if elected he would be a unifying force within the party, “bridging divides, fostering cooperation and collaboration among members, and working tirelessly towards our shared goals. With your endorsement, I wholeheartedly believe that we can build a brighter future for Benue State and the PDP.

Declaring support for the aspiration of Chief Ogbu, the Igumale Ward I Chairman of PDP in Ado Local Government Area, LGA, of the state, Solomon Onwe noted that the aspirant enjoys grassroots support having been in the party since its inception and being a faithful member of the party in the Ward, “he therefore has the full support of the Ward.”

The State Assistant Secretary of the party, Madam Rose Ameh, who noted the shining qualities and all-round experience of the aspirant said he remains the right choice for the party because “he is a capable hand and a good man. Moreover, the position should now go to Ado Local Government Area, LGA, where he hails from.”

Also, former Special Assistant to the former National Youth Leader, Edwin Adayi said Chief Ogbu has all it takes to lead the PDP in Benue State out of its present state saying “we must put away godfatherism from our polity because PDP does not need a mediocre as leader; the party needs an experienced hand like Chief Ogbu to turn around its fortune.”

A former governorship aspirant, Julius Atorough who also endorsed the aspirant said “we need someone to reverse the dwindling fortune of the PDP and Chief Ogbu is eminently qualified to do that so I wholeheartedly and irreversibly endorse him for that position.”

Another governorship aspirant, Mrs. Susan Waya also gave her blessing to the aspiration describing the aspirant as a capable hand that could change the fortune of the PDP in Benue state.

Former Director General, Special Duties to late former Governor Moses Adasu, Mr. Sebastian Agbinda who added his voice to support Chief Ogbu said he stood a better chance to clinch the position due to his vast experience and the zoning arrangement which favours him.

Present at the gathering were a few friends and political associates of the aspirant who sent goodwill messages in support of his aspiration.