- The race for the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is on the lips of political analysts
- One candidate who has articulated his plans in a very impressive way is the former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel
- He was recently endorsed by key stakeholders of the PDP in Imo and Abia states
The ambition of the former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to emerge as the PDP national chairman got a boost recently as he was endorsed by key stakeholders of the party in Imo and Abia states.
The former governor of Imo state; Dr. Achike Udenwa, member of the Board of Trustee, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and former national chairman of the party; Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, all endorsed Daniel for the position.
Udenwa declared Otunba Daniel has all the critical qualities to lead the PDP to success in the 2019 general elections when he hosted Otunba Daniel alongside his campaign entourage in Owerri on Wednesday, November 15.
Otunba Daniel (left) was endorsed by Chief Udenwa (middle) during his visit to Imo state. Photo credit: OGD Campaign Organisation
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According to Udenwa, Otunba Daniel is what the party needs now in face of the 2019 mission.
His words: “I know his capabilities, I know his antecedents. We need someone of his caliber, someone who has suffered impunity and knows what it means.
“He is the right person to lead the party. His aspiration is a very special one and even if we receive other aspirants, he is one of us, he understands our problem, we can trust him.”
Udenwa admonished Otunba Daniel not to forget the principle he has always abide with when he gets to office. He then promised his support and that of the entire party members in the state at the national convention billed for December 9.
On his part, Chief Iwuanyanwu commended Otunba Daniel for the maturity of his campaign and reiterated his confidence in his ability to serve the party well.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel is a true son of Nigeria and served the people of Ogun state well and will serve the party well. I must congratulate him on the good job he did as governor of Ogun state.
"During his administration, every Nigerian found Ogun comfortable. His appointment of an onyi Igbo as special adviser then shows he is a true Nigerian. Gbenga Daniel has an impeccable credentials,” he said.
Chief Iwuanyanwu expressed confidence in Otunba Daniel's ability to serve the PDP well as its national chairman. Photo credit: OGD Campaign Organisation
Thereafter, Otunba Daniel met with Imo PDP stakeholders and delegates before proceeding to Abia state to also meet with party faithfuls.
In Abia, Chief Ogbulafor made it clear that his vote will be going to Otunba Daniel.
He made the declaration at his country home of Olokoro in Umuahia, Abia state on Wednesday, November 15 when Otunba Daniel paid him a courtesy call.
“Gbenga Daniel is the right person for the position (national chairman) if PDP is to take over power. I was the national chairman of the party for three years and I know the demands.
“Daniel, you are a real party man, please keep the flag flying. You know where the mistake of PDP is and you can provide solution.
“I support you on this quest and I am sure you will get it. You have my vote, you have my vote. I will give you my vote,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Obi of Obinugwu has described Otunba Daniel as a portrait of humility and the most competent individual to lead the PDP.
The Obi made this remark while praying for Otunba Daniel to succeed in his quest to become the national chairman of the PDP.
“Otunba Daniel is a true son of the soil and a Chief in this Palace. We have no choice but to support him.
“I have known him for several years and I can assure you that he is more than qualified to provide the leadership the PDP needs now. He has my blessing and that of the entire kingdom.” the revered traditional ruler said.
Meanwhile, the national caretaker chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has disclosed that aspirants with pending cases in court will not be disqualified from contesting the national chairmanship position.
Markafi made the declaration while responding to questions from newsmen on Saturday, November 11 in Kaduna, when Otunba Gbenga Daniel alongside his campaign entourage paid him a courtesy visit.
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Source: Naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Thursday 16 November 2017