The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has emphasised the importance of voting for the continuation of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration to ensure the progress and development of the state.
Ighodalo made these remarks when the party’s campaign train stopped in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, and Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area. At both venues, hundreds of people left the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the PDP.
Governor Obaseki, who led the campaign, expressed his satisfaction with the massive turnout, saying, “I have never seen this type of crowd in all the places we have visited. I want to thank you all for this massive turnout. Even though they say Etsako Central is one of the smallest local governments in the state, you still have this large crowd.”
He also commended the people for their participation in the continuous voter registration exercise, which has increased the voting strength of Etsako Central.
Governor Obaseki mentioned that a gas pipeline runs through Etsako Central and that Ighodalo plans to use this gas to generate electricity for the people. He described Ighodalo as a “Chief Master Planner” with the best plans to advance Edo State’s progress and prosperity.
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In his address, Ighodalo praised the Obaseki-led administration for its improvements in education, workers’ welfare, infrastructure, and healthcare. He promised to build on these achievements, eradicate poverty, create wealth, and promote good governance. He assured the people that both he and Ogie would not disappoint them if elected.
Ighodalo urged voters to come out in large numbers on election day to support the PDP.
Earlier, Chief Mike Ogiadomeh, a PDP chieftain and former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, set the tone for the day at the packed Fugar Open Field. He welcomed Governor Obaseki and the campaign team to Etsako Central, highlighting the administration’s achievements and specifically commending its impact on Etsako Central Local Government. He thanked the governor for bringing Asue Ighodalo, whom he described as “a man with proven track records,” to succeed him. Ogiadomeh declared that the people of Etsako Central are fully behind Ighodalo and will vote for the PDP and defend their votes.
Another party chieftain, Pascal Ugbome, used the opportunity to praise Ighodalo and Ogie, noting that “they are a perfect match and capable of taking Edo State to greater heights.”
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Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Asue Ogie Campaign Council, stated that “the APC is not an option for progress in Edo State.” He urged the people to stay focused and vote for the PDP, emphasizing that “continuity is what Edo needs now.”
State party chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi urged people to come out in large numbers and vote on September 21. He also thanked them for their support of the PDP and called on Chief Dan Orbih, leader of the Legacy PDP in the state, to “retrace his steps and come back home.”
In Agbede, the campaign was met with a large crowd of excited supporters who were pleased that the governor and his team visited even late into the night. Governor Obaseki commended the people for their turnout at that hour and promised that Ighodalo and Ogie would not disappoint them if elected. He assured that the water issues in Agbede would be resolved before the end of his tenure.
Ighodalo expressed his gratitude to the large crowd that came out late at night to welcome them. He promised to address the area’s poor electricity supply by ensuring Agbede gets its own transmission station. He also pledged to complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones.
Abudu Makoh, who led over two hundred APC members to join the PDP, cited Governor Obaseki’s good work and projects in Agbede as reasons for their decision. He stated that the PDP has the best candidate, fully prepared with the capacity and competence to continue the good work already being enjoyed in Edo State. He assured that they would vote for the PDP and defend their votes.