Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign to Owan West and East Local Government Areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
During the visit, Obaseki commissioned the 30-kilometer Sobe/Sabongida-Ora Road, fulfilling a promise made in 2020.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, praised the governor for his equal treatment of all parts of the state and pledged Owan West’s support for the PDP.
Governor Obaseki introduced Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate to succeed him, and assured residents that Ighodalo would continue the development work.
The campaign saw numerous defections to the PDP, including 200 members led by an APC youth leader.
In Afuze, Owan East, Ighodalo promised to revitalize the area’s sporting legacy and enhance infrastructure. Governor Obaseki urged voters to choose the PDP for sustained progress and avoid candidates who might bring hardship.
At the Owan West Headquarters Field, venue of the campaign, Speaker Agbebaku reiterated his earlier claim that “Governor Obaseki has done well for our people, and we (our people) will reward him by voting for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie to succeed him to continue the good work.”
In his speech, the Deputy Governor, Engr Godwins Omobayo, declared that the governor loves Edo North and it will be rewarded by the people during the election.
Speaking, Ighodalo thanked the governor and the people and promised to do more than Governor Obaseki has done. He assured that companies that will process their farm products will be brought to the area and ensure that Cocoa’s glorious days will be restored and processing industries built for their use.
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In his own speech, Governor Obaseki told the cheering crowd that he had come to thank them for supporting him all through and he hoped they would not stop the support this time.
He said Edo State is one and, therefore, everybody irrespective of where he comes from must have the opportunity to be the governor of the state by being given the same and equal opportunities as others.
He stated that he had laid the foundation and that Ighodalo and Ogie would build on it. He charged the people to vote the PDP so that salaries will continue to be regular and gratuities will not be delayed.
Hundreds of defectors joined the party and promised to vote for Ighodalo and Ogie in the coming election. The campaign train then moved to Afuze in Owan East where it was received by a mammoth crowd in a carnival-like manner.
Addressing the jubilant crowd at the Afuze Township Stadium, the PDP Local Government Chairman, Leslie Ebosojie, welcomed the governor and his campaign entourage. He assured that PDP will win Owan East.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader in the area, Monday Afreagbe, then defected with about 200 others to the PDP. They were warmly welcomed and assured of equal opportunities in the party.
Addressing the crowd, Ighodalo promised to make Afuze the hub of sporting activities as it used to be again. He charged the people to reject darkness and continue with the light as represented by the PDP. He assured them of more roads, security, and agro-allied industries.
Governor Obaseki in his address assured the people that the PDP has the best team and they will deliver on their promises. He stated that it was not possible for any one government to finish all the jobs and that Ighodalo and Ogie will continue from where he will stop.
“We have a solid team that means well for Edo State. They will continue from where I will stop.This man is a good man.
He is coming to serve Edo State, not to steal. He is not looking for fame. He has everything and he is very comfortable. Vote for them. Don’t vote for people who will bring suffering. Don’t vote for people who don’t know what to do when they get to the office. Please vote for PDP,” he stressed .