The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong confidence that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, will secure a decisive victory in the upcoming September 21 off-cycle governorship election in Edo State, predicting that he will win over 65% of the votes.
During an interactive session held in Abuja on Monday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba highlighted the widespread appeal and acceptance of Ighodalo across various political and non-political demographics in Edo State.
Ologunagba emphasized that Ighodalo’s candidacy has transcended traditional political lines, gaining support from a broad spectrum of the population.
“From all credible indices across the 18 local government areas of Edo State, the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is coasting to a sweeping victory with no less than 65% of the total votes expected at the election,” Ologunagba stated.
He described the momentum behind Ighodalo’s campaign as a “movement,” attracting support from all age groups, professions, and communities, including from members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The PDP spokesperson noted that Ighodalo’s growing popularity has caused concern within the APC camp, particularly for its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, who, according to Ologunagba, has not effectively communicated his campaign manifesto to the electorate.
“Due to the overwhelming popularity and acceptability of our candidate, the PDP campaign in Edo State has become a movement… with key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State openly and publicly campaigning and declaring support for Dr. Asue Ighodalo daily,” Ologunagba said.
Ologunagba further alleged that the APC, recognizing its diminishing chances of winning the election, has resorted to underhanded tactics aimed at disrupting the electoral process. He accused the APC of orchestrating arrests of PDP members and attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and instability in the state.
“It is clear that the plan of the APC is to infuse fear in Edo State, heighten tension, instigate a crisis, and subvert the electoral process,” Ologunagba warned. He assured that despite these alleged tactics, the resolve of Edo State voters to elect Ighodalo as governor remains unshaken.
The September 21 election is expected to be a crucial test of political strength between the PDP and APC in Edo State, with both parties vying for control in a state that has seen intense political rivalry in recent years.