Edo too smart to produce a counterfeit governor — Obaseki

The political atmosphere in Esanland was electrified on Thursday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rolled into Ekpoma in Esan West and Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Councils.

The rally in Ekpoma, held at the Egware Primary School open field, saw Governor Godwin Obaseki urging the people to make the Esan governorship agenda meaningful by electing the best candidate.

He emphasized that Edo State cannot afford to have a “counterfeit governor.”

Governor Obaseki called on the crowd to spread the word, encouraging each person to convince at least five others to vote for the PDP on September 21.

He highlighted the importance of electing a leader who knows how to govern effectively, stating that this was why he was backing Dr. Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie for governor and deputy governor, respectively.

READ ALSO: Obaseki endorses PDP’s Asue Ighodalo as best candidate for Edo’s future

Collins Aigbogun, Chairman of Esan West, assured Governor Obaseki that the local government is fully committed to supporting the PDP, promising a 98% vote share as a gesture of gratitude for Obaseki’s contributions to the region.

Hon. Marcus Onobun, representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency, acknowledged the massive turnout and framed the upcoming election as a direct contest between Asue-Ogie and other candidates.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, lauded Obaseki’s acumen in selecting a strong candidate like Ighodalo, emphasizing that PDP in Esan West is fully behind him.

Speaking at the rally, Dr. Asue Ighodalo underscored the need for continuity, promising to build upon the achievements of the current administration and work diligently to improve the lives of Edo State residents.

He urged the people to vote early on September 21 and to protect their votes.

The rally in Irrua at Eguare Primary School echoed the sentiments from Ekpoma, with an enthusiastic crowd welcoming the PDP campaign team. Apst. Matthew Emiotemen, in his address, declared that Esan Central is firmly a PDP stronghold and vowed that the people would deliver a decisive defeat to the APC on election day.

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Hon. Paul Iyoha, the council boss of Esan Central, expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki for his continuous support, stating that despite the APC candidate being from the area, the people of Esan Central remain loyal to the PDP.

Fada Eigbiremonlen, representing Esan Central in the Edo State House of Assembly, and Hon. Heberta Okonofua Ayu, Special Adviser to the Governor, both called on the people to demonstrate their appreciation by voting en masse for the PDP.

They emphasized the importance of using their PVCs to express their dissatisfaction with the APC.

Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Oil and Gas, Enaholo Ojiefoh, pointed out that many infrastructure projects in Esan Central, including the road in front of the APC candidate’s house, were completed by the PDP government, highlighting the APC’s lack of achievements in the area.

Former Senator Clifford Ordia of the Edo Central Senatorial District, along with over 1,000 defectors from other parties, led by former NNPP House of Assembly candidate Harrison Echie, joined the PDP during the rally, further bolstering the party’s strength.

Governor Obaseki reiterated the importance of electing a capable governor who can continue the progress made under his administration.

In his speech, Ighodalo committed to addressing water issues in Edo Central if elected. Following the rally, the governor commissioned the newly completed Uwessa-Ujagbhole-Irrua Road, further solidifying his administration’s impact on the region.