The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State received a significant boost in its campaign for the September 21 governorship election as hundreds of members from rival parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), defected to the ruling party.
The mass defection occurred during campaign rallies held by the PDP in Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki and the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
At the Egor rally, Governor Obaseki, speaking to a large crowd at the Olua Primary School Field in Uselu, highlighted his achievements over his tenure and expressed confidence in Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq., to continue the progress made.
“I have done my best. Ighodalo and Ogie will continue from November 12. We want progress and not to move backwards,” Obaseki said, emphasizing the importance of continuity with the PDP.
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Dr. Asue Ighodalo promised to harness the potential of Edo’s youth and criticized opponents, saying, “We don’t need an illiterate who will bring insecurity. It’s time to move forward.”
His comments resonated with the crowd, sparking enthusiasm and confidence in the PDP’s vision for the state.
The rallies were marked by the defection of several notable figures from rival parties.
Bright Omoruyi, a former State House of Assembly candidate from the ADP, and Promise Igbinevboh, a former APC chieftain, led their supporters into the PDP, citing Ighodalo’s competence and vision as the reasons for their switch. Members of the Labour Party from Ward 9 also joined the PDP, declaring their belief that the election was a contest between PDP and PDP, with no other serious contenders.
In Ikpoba-Okha, the rally took on a festive atmosphere as the governor, Ighodalo, and Ogie were welcomed by a jubilant crowd at the Western Boys High School Field.
Local leaders, including council chairman Hon. Henry Osayande, pledged their full support for the PDP, assuring that the area, home to running mate Ogie, was firmly in the party’s grasp.
Governor Obaseki, while addressing the crowd, listed the achievements of his administration in Ikpoba-Okha, stating that the work must continue under Ighodalo and Ogie.
The event also saw former APC chieftains, including Nomagbon Ogbomo and Evang. Esther Ero, joined the PDP, citing the youthfulness and dynamism of the PDP leadership as their motivation.
With the defection of these influential figures and their followers, the PDP has strengthened its position ahead of the crucial election, setting the stage for a highly competitive race.