The Kebbi and Katsina States chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday joined their Kano, Jigawa States chapters to openly endorse Chief Raymond Dokpesi for the National Chairmanship of the party ahead of the National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
A statement by Omor Bazuaye of the Raymond Dokpesi Campaign Organisation said Dokpesi’s first endorsement came in Katsina State after he met with delegates and party leaders at the party’s secretariat in Katsina.
While soliciting support, Dokpesi said if he becomes the next National Chairman, he would ensure that power remains in the North in 2019.
He however said the position would be open to all the three zones in the North.
He equally promised a level playing field for all.
A total of 117 delegates from Katsina State are expected to vote at the convention in Port Harcourt, making it the largest contingent across the country.
The State Chairman, Salishu Magigari, while welcoming media mogul, wasted no time endorsing Dokpesi for deeming it necessary to visit.
Magigari expressed confidence in Dokpesi’s quality, pointing out that his competence and ability to lift the party to greater height is not in doubt.
Dokpesi’s second endorsement was from his party in Kebbi State.
Dokpesi secured it after pleading and begging for their votes.
He said: “I’ve come to beg you.
“I’ve come to plead with you to please allow me to be chairman of our great party.”
Dokpesi told the people that he depends greatly on their support, restating his earlier pledge to use the mandate freely given to him to ensure that power remains in the North in 2019.
He said the contest is about the survival of the PDP and about making sure that the Presidency stays in the North and returned to PDP in 2019.
He urged delegates to vote their conscience and pray they have the courage to vote for him.
He said: “They will come with government money to deceive you.
“If you collect it, you would have betrayed the North.
“I pledge that if you make me the National Chairman of our party, I will ensure that the decision of the party zoning Presidency to the North is upheld.”
Dokpesi told them not to be deceived but be prepared to protect the North for the good of the PDP.
“I’ll work with you and I’ll stand by you to defend the mandate you freely give,” he said.
Responding, a former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hassan Mohammed Shalla, assured Dokpesi of maximum support.
Shalla said: “We all endorse your request.
“We don’t betray anybody here.
“We’re always sincere and frank.
“If we’re not in your support, you will not see us here.”
Receiving Dokpesi and his encourage, the State Chairman of the PDP, Musa Ibrahim Danillela, reaffirmed Dokpesi’s endorsement.
Danillela however advised Dokpesi to avoid imposition and impunity when he becomes National Chairman.
As at present, Dokpesi has visited 31 states in 10 days.