EDO STATE: Toba Owojaiye reporting
In a significant boost for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, hundreds of members from various opposition parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), joined the PDP on Monday.
The mass defections occurred during campaign rallies in Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the PDP candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and other party leaders.
Truth Live News gathered that at the rally in Egor, held at Olua Primary School Field in Uselu, Governor Obaseki stated that he had done his best for the state and that Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq, would continue his work after November 12.
Obaseki urged the electorate to vote for PDP for the sake of continuity, noting that Egor, a youth-centric community with institutions like the University of Benin, has always supported progress.
He emphasized the importance of the September 21 election, calling it a critical moment for the state.
Ighodalo echoed Obaseki’s sentiments, pledging to maximize the potential of Edo’s youth in a positive and productive way.
He dismissed the possibility of incompetent leadership, urging voters to choose wisely and protect their votes on election day.
His remarks were met with applause and laughter from the crowd.
The PDP chairman in Egor, Chief Idenhen, along with local leaders like Hon. Eghe Ohbemudia and Comrade Odion Olaye, also rallied support, predicting a decisive victory for the PDP.
They emphasized the progress made under Obaseki’s administration and called for continued support to complete ongoing projects.
In Ikpoba-Okha, the rally at Western Boys High School Field took on a celebratory tone as Governor Obaseki, Ighodalo, and Ogie were warmly received.
Local officials, including the council chairman Hon. Henry Osayande, assured the PDP of overwhelming support, highlighting achievements in infrastructure and human capital development.
Ogie, a native of the area, energized the crowd with songs and urged them to vote early and secure victory for the PDP.
The rallies also saw the defection of key figures from opposition parties, including Bright Omoruyi from the ADP and Promise Igbinevboh from the APC.
Both expressed confidence in Ighodalo’s leadership and the PDP’s vision for the state.
Defectors from the Labour Party and other parties also joined the PDP, reinforcing the perception that the upcoming election is largely a contest between the PDP and itself.
Evang. Esther Ero, a former welfare officer of the APC, was among the prominent figures to lead her followers to the PDP, citing her faith in Ogie’s leadership and the party’s open-hearted approach. Hon. Nomagbon Ogbomo, another high-profile defector, emphasized the PDP’s focus on youth, contrasting it with what he described as an aging APC leadership.
Both pledged to work for the party’s success in the forthcoming election.
The event concluded with widespread optimism among PDP leaders and supporters, who are confident of victory in the September 21 election.