Toba Owojaiye reporting
Ubiaja, Edo State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) kicked off their governorship campaign in grand style today, with the party’s candidate, Barr. Asue Ighodalo, making a bold declaration to the people of Edo State: “We are committed to securing the best future for Edo.” The event, held at the bustling Ubiaja Township Stadium, saw a massive turnout of supporters, party chieftains, and key state officials, all rallying behind Ighodalo and his vision for a prosperous Edo.
In a passionate address that resonated deeply with the crowd, duly covered by Truth Live News, the man of the moment, Barr Asue Ighodalo emphasized the PDP’s unwavering commitment to progress and the well-being of the state’s citizens.
“We are here because we believe in a vision for Edo that prioritizes the needs of our communities, a vision that puts our people first,” he stated, as supporters erupted in applause. “Our candidate embodies this vision—a leader who listens, who understands the challenges we face, and who is dedicated to transforming those challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity.”
Highlighting the accomplishments of the PDP under the current administration, Ighodalo pointed to significant strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He proudly referenced the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program, launched in 2017, which has revitalized the state’s education system, drawing attention from other states and nations looking to replicate its success. “In education, our state has become the beautiful bride,” Ighodalo remarked, underscoring the pride Edo now commands in this critical sector.
The PDP candidate also lauded the advancements in healthcare, particularly the establishment of a robust network of primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 192 wards. These neighborhood clinics, manned by qualified medical personnel, provide essential health services to the populace. The renovation and equipping of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the upgrade of Auchi’s General Hospital to a teaching hospital further demonstrate the party’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in Edo.
Infrastructure, a key pillar of the PDP’s achievements, also took center stage in Ighodalo’s speech. From the construction of over 900 kilometers of road to the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities like the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, Edo Innovation Hub, and the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Ighodalo highlighted the party’s role in reversing years of neglect and driving Edo forward. “These are a few of the architectural masterpieces that characterize this government,” he noted, pledging that under his leadership, the state would see even more development.
Yet, Ighodalo’s message was not just about past achievements—it was a clarion call for unity and collective action. He urged PDP supporters and Edo citizens to rally together, emphasizing that their strength lies in their unity. “Our opponents have teamed up to deprive Edo State and its citizens of quality leadership. APC with its mute candidate has recruited LP’s garrulous candidate who is certainly not ready for the role he pretends he seeks!” he declared, urging the crowd to engage in conversations and spread the PDP’s vision for a prosperous Edo.
A particularly resonant part of his address was his appeal to Edo’s youth, whom he described as the heartbeat of the campaign. “Your energy and passion are vital to our success,” Ighodalo said, encouraging young people to take an active role in advocating for his candidacy and shaping the future they desire.
As the campaign gains momentum, Ighodalo and the PDP are positioning themselves as the party to lead Edo into a new era of prosperity and progress. “Together, we will build a state that values transparency, accountability, and the welfare of all its citizens,” he vowed, closing his speech with a call for unity and a brighter future for Edo.
With the September 21 gubernatorial election approaching, the PDP’s campaign launch in Ubiaja signals a strong start, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched race for Edo’s highest office.