BENIN CITY: Toba Owojaiye reporting
In a dramatic turn of events, what was intended to be a brief stopover at Agbede in Etsako West became a full-blown night rally as hundreds of excited supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) welcomed Governor Godwin Obaseki and the party’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, into their fold.
This unexpected show of solidarity came amidst a series of defections from the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP ahead of the highly anticipated September 21, governorship election in Edo State.
Truth Live News gathered that the rally, part of PDP’s ongoing campaign blitz through Edo North, followed a packed event earlier in the day at Fugar in Etsako Central, where Governor Obaseki expressed amazement at the massive turnout, noting, “I have never seen this type of crowd in all the places we have visited.”
He praised the people of Etsako Central for their dedication, particularly their efforts to increase voter registration, saying the increased voting strength would solidify their impact in the election.
Highlighting plans for local development, Obaseki revealed, “There is a gas pipeline that passes through Etsako Central, and Asue Ighodalo has the plan to utilize that gas to generate electricity for the people.”
Describing Ighodalo as a “Chief Master Planner,” Obaseki added that Ighodalo is best positioned to lead Edo State into a new era of prosperity.
Asue Ighodalo, addressing the crowd at both Fugar and Agbede, expressed his gratitude for the support shown to the Obaseki-led administration.
He lauded the progress made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and workers’ welfare, promising to build on these achievements.
Emphasizing the need for continuity, Ighodalo assured, “Edo needs continuity for progress and prosperity.”
He vowed to eradicate poverty, create wealth, and establish good governance if elected, urging voters to turn out en masse on election day.
At the night rally in Agbede, Governor Obaseki and Ighodalo were greeted by an energized crowd despite the late hour.
In response to their unwavering enthusiasm, Obaseki promised to resolve the area’s water issues before the end of his tenure, while Ighodalo pledged to establish a transmission station to address Agbede’s electricity challenges once in office.
The atmosphere grew even more charged when Abudu Makoh led over two hundred former APC members to join the PDP, attributing their decision to Governor Obaseki’s achievements.
“The PDP has the best candidate with the capacity and competence to lead Edo State into greater prosperity,” Makoh declared, pledging that they would not only vote for PDP but defend their votes.
In his welcome speech, Chief Mike Ogiadomeh, a former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, commended the Obaseki administration for its achievements and called Asue Ighodalo “a man with proven track records,” while Barr Pascal Ugbome described Ighodalo and his running mate Osarodion Ogie as the “perfect match” to continue Edo’s development trajectory.
The rally concluded with Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Asue Ogie Campaign Council, rallying the crowd with a firm message:
“The APC is not an option for progress in Edo State. Continuity is what Edo needs now,” the DG said.
The state PDP chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, echoed the call for unity, urging Chief Dan Orbih, leader of the Legacy PDP faction, to “retrace his steps and come back home.”
As the campaign trail continues, the PDP remains focused on consolidating support across Edo State, with Obaseki and Ighodalo’s night rally in Agbede marking a significant milestone in their journey toward the polls.