PDP gains momentum as hundreds dump APC in Esan Central, back Ighodalo

In a significant development ahead of the Edo State governorship election, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) received a major boost as its campaign train rolled into Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.

The rally saw a large number of defectors from various opposition parties, including the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party, joining the PDP.

Leading the defectors was Chief Harrison Echie, a prominent figure in Esan Central and the ANPP candidate in the last Edo State House of Assembly election. Echie, speaking on behalf of the defectors, expressed their collective admiration for the performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He highlighted the governor’s developmental strides across the state as the primary reason for their decision to join forces with the PDP. Echie emphasized that the people of Esan Central are committed to supporting the PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, in the upcoming election on September 21.

The defectors were officially welcomed into the PDP fold at a well-attended rally held at Eguare Primary School in Irrua. Governor Obaseki, addressing the crowd, assured them that the PDP was fielding the most competent and credible candidates for the election.

He praised the achievements of his administration, particularly in Esan Central, and pledged that the progress made under his leadership would continue with Ighodalo and Ogie at the helm.

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“We have done our best in developing the State, and we encourage you to mobilize and vote for the PDP governorship candidate because prosperity is assured when Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie are in leadership,” Obaseki said.

He criticized the APC government at the national level, accusing them of causing widespread suffering through poor policies and leadership. The governor assured the people that the progress made in Edo State over the past eight years would not be reversed by the opposition.

Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP governorship candidate, also addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the people of Esan Central.

He described the Edo people as sophisticated, educated, and intelligent, asserting that they could not be governed by unqualified individuals. Ighodalo acknowledged the ongoing issue of water scarcity in Esan land, pledging to resolve it permanently if elected.

He promised that, under his leadership, the problem of water would become a thing of the past in Esan land.

The rally concluded with enthusiastic cheers and a renewed commitment from the people of Esan Central to ensure a PDP victory in the upcoming election.

With the support of key defectors and a strong campaign message, the PDP’s bid to retain leadership in Edo State appears to be gaining significant momentum.