Thousands of members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State trooped out on Tuesday in a solidarity march for Asue Ighodalo, the party’s flag bearer for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie.
The massive show of support was led by members and leaders of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, including its Director General, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Deputy Director of Media and Publicity, John Yakubu, Rev Olu Martins, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and others. They marched through the city center, Ring Road, chanting solidarity songs amidst drumming and dancing.
The rally caused heavy gridlock in adjoining streets and the GRA for several hours.
Organizers of the march denounced the recent court ruling on the party’s primary election as a kangaroo ruling that would not stand, and called on the people of the state to remain committed and vote for the PDP and Ighodalo on September 21.
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Speaking, one of the leaders of the support group, Austin Osakue, said, “Don’t be distracted; we will not surrender, retreat, or be dissuaded by their lies.
“My message is that to win an election, you must cast votes. We know Asue, we know Osarodion Ogie, a man of humility. When a man is humble, even God will fetch firewood for him.
“This election, nobody must intimidate us. If they like, let them carry court rulings around. You have all heard that there is nothing in that court ruling.
Instead of campaigning, they are celebrating. But they can’t even campaign because their candidate is a liability. With our voter cards, we will punish them,” he enthused.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate, Ighodalo, accompanied by his running mate and others, said: “The time has come for our happiness to continue.
The time has come for us to have more work, more money in our pockets, and by the grace of God, by September, when you would have voted for me and Ogie, more progress will come.
“I want you to remain strong, happy, and not be afraid of anything. God is in control.
Everyone should get their PVCs ready so that on September 21, we will vote for PDP, ensure the votes are counted, follow them to the collation center until we are announced the winner, and the state will continue to prosper. Don’t be afraid,” he reassured.