Ogoja, Cross River State – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming 2024 local government elections, scheduled for Saturday, November 2, across the state.
The event, held in Ogoja, on Thursday, marked the start of the party’s campaign for its standard bearers from the northern and central senatorial districts.
In his address to supporters, PDP State Chairman Barrister Venatius Ikem urged candidates to hold the party’s mandate in high regard, emphasising the importance of loyalty to the party’s vision.
Ikem warned against “mortgaging” the party’s mandate after winning the election, noting that some past candidates had defected to rival parties post-election. He stressed the importance of steadfastness, saying, “Our mandate is sacrosanct.”
Ikem also criticised the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing widespread hardship and discontent among citizens to what he called “anti-people policies.”
He called on the electorate to reject the APC in the upcoming polls, promising that “every vote will count.” His message was reinforced by a call for total support for the PDP’s candidates, encouraging party faithful to turn out en masse on Saturday.
Honourable Godwin Offiono, representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, echoed Ikem’s sentiments, reassuring the crowd that robust measures would be taken to prevent electoral malpractice.
Describing the local government election as people-centred, Offiono underscored that Cross River North—and indeed the entire state—remains a PDP stronghold. He urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully, stressing the need for a level playing field and a fair electoral process.
The event concluded with the presentation of party flags to the candidates from the eleven local government areas in Cross River North and Central, symbolising the party’s readiness for the polls.