By Emmanuel Adigwe
Dr Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, has dispelled rumours making the rounds in the state that Governor Godwin Obaseki has defected to the party.
Aziegbemi, speaking in Benin City, stated that some close associates of the governor have made contact with the leadership of the party but the governor is yet to personally reach out to him or any member of his executive council.
He said: “It is true that some close aides of the governor have reached out to the PDP. The governor, however, is yet to personally reach out to us. Our doors are open to Governor Obaseki. “He is welcome should he decide to come and join us. The doors of the PDP are wide open.”
He, however, would not comment on what would be the fate of Obaseki in the primary of the party which is scheduled for this weekend in Benin.
Ogidi, the South-South National Vice Chairman of the PDP, also stated that the doors of the party are open to everyone.
He said: ‘If Governor Obaseki comes, we will take him. We can’t drive anybody from entering. Our doors are wide open. I am not, however, aware that he has started negotiations with us with a view to defecting. If the governor has seen the light and wants to come to the PDP, he is welcome.
“We have a procedure. There is going to be primary. The PDP does not award. If you win the primary, you become the candidate.”