The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced Hon. Habeebat Deen as the deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming November 11, 2023 elections. Deen, who hails from Ankpa local government area of Kogi East senatorial zone, was unveiled to the PDP elders and members after being presented to the party leadership by the governorship candidate, Senator Dino Melaye.
The announcement was made at a brief unveiling ceremony held at the private residence of a former governor of the state, Alh. Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Ibro, in Abuja. The event was attended by top party stalwarts and members including State PDP chairman, Engr. Sam Ohuotu, Brigadier General Tunde Ogbeha (rtd), former Governor Ibrahim Idris, Prince Olusola Akanmode, Dr. Tom Adaba, and Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senator Melaye expressed his excitement about the unprecedented choice of a female deputy governorship candidate by a major political party in the state, stating that “we will continue to do things that are innovative and different.” Gen. Ogbeha congratulated Melaye for his gender sensitivity, adding that the nomination will generate a lot of interests, excitement, and goodwill.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was the PDP candidate for the 2023 Kogi Central senatorial election, praised the gender balance of the PDP ticket, stating that carrying women along in governance will make a lot of difference. She promised to mobilize Kogi Central women for the PDP’s success in the upcoming governorship election.
Former Governor Ibrahim Idris called for unity of purpose among PDP members in the state to achieve victory at the governorship poll. He reiterated that only God gives power to whomever He wants, hence the emergence of Dino Melaye as the PDP governorship candidate, whom he also described as “ready” for the task ahead.