Despite a heavy mid-morning downpour in Benin City, a coalition of non-indigenous residents from various ethnic groups across Nigeria came out in large numbers on Thursday to endorse Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate for the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
This endorsement, considered a significant political boost for Ighodalo, followed a massive rally in Benin City two days earlier and almost a thousand defections to the PDP in Igueben the previous day.
The coalition’s support has further strengthened Ighodalo and the PDP’s campaign. They declared Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, as their sole candidates for the upcoming election.
The endorsement event was attended by key figures including State Party Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Pa Dickson Imasogie, leader of the PDP in Edo South and patron of the coalition, Osagie Osifo, PDP leader in Egor LGA, and Rev. Leo Olu Martins, DDG Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Management Committee.
Dr. Asue Ighodalo thanked the coalition for their endorsement and promised inclusive leadership if elected. He emphasized that long-term residents are considered naturalized Edolites. The party chairman encouraged the group to mobilize more members to support and vote for the PDP in the upcoming election.