Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the September 21 governorship election, has appealed to the party to close ranks and strategize to permanently defeat Nigeria’s development nemesis.

Mr Ighodalo said this at a meeting hosted by former Minister for Solid Minerals, Sen. Odion Ugbesia, leaders and stakeholders of the PDP in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday in Benin.

He said, “PDP is the only party that can rescue this nation because we have capable members with the right vision, focus and patriotic zeal to reposition Nigeria.”

While thanking the party’s leadership, he commended them for the honest, analytical report and suggestions on moving the party forward and resolving other internal issues.

“PDP remains the only party since 1999 that is still standing, while other parties have since either collapsed, fragmented or become an amalgamation of strange, odd and unhealthy bedfellows, a contraption of complicated forced union,” he added.

Mr Ighodalo advised that the party must close ranks and strategize to defeat Nigeria’s development nemesis permanently. He said that verifiable data showed that the PDP was far ahead of other parties, saying, “The party’s campaign structure will soon be unveiled.”

He advised that square pegs be put in square holes to guarantee total electoral victory and warned that sentiments should not be the basis for party appointments.

The candidate also emphasized the need to accommodate women and the youth in the campaign structure, “including the Obedient Movement.”

(NAN)