On Tuesday, Uhunmwode Local Government Area came to a standstill as Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, and his running mate, Barrister Osarodion Ogie Esq, brought their Ward to Ward Campaign Train to the area.
An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Ehor Primary Health Center open field, with attendees from Ehor Ward 1, Uhi Ward 2, Igieduma Ward 3, and Irhue Ward 4, creating a festive atmosphere.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, community leader Mr. Charles Egbe declared that Uhunmwode is firmly in support of Asue-Ogie and the PDP. He urged the people to come out en masse to support the “Umbrella,” the symbol of the PDP.
In a significant speech, Elder Dickson Imasogie, a member of the factional Legacy Group of the PDP in the state, expressed his trust in Asue Ighodalo. He explained that he left the aggrieved Legacy Group to support Ighodalo, believing he is the best candidate to lead the state.
He appealed to the people to join him in ensuring total victory for the PDP and Asue-Ogie in September.
Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director-General of the campaign council, emphasized that the PDP is the only party that truly cares about the people of Edo State. He encouraged the people to remain steadfast and vote for the PDP for good governance.
In his speech, Ighodalo thanked the people for their unprecedented turnout. He promised to boost agricultural production in the area, establish a fruit factory, and complete ongoing projects. He also pledged to provide a lasting solution to the area’s water supply problems.
Ogie, the running mate, assured the crowd that their administration would improve the lives of the people. He promised speedy attention to the Irhue and Uhi roads to help transport farm products if they are elected.
A highlight of the campaign was the formal defection of two lawyers, Barrister Daniel Ogbegie and Barrister Felix Alari, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. Ogbegie cited the APC’s failure to choose a competent candidate as his reason for leaving. Alari, a well-known community figure, urged his community to support Ighodalo, assuring them of a PDP victory on September 21.
Other defectors, including Mr. Nicolas Edokpayi and Hon. Jegede Robinson, a former House of Assembly candidate from the Labour Party, also joined the PDP with their supporters.
The new party members were presented with umbrellas by the campaign DG as a symbolic gesture of their acceptance into the PDP fold.