Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, experienced a significant political shift on Saturday as Alhaji Musa Isiwele, a well-known chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led over 3,000 members in defecting to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The high-profile defection was witnessed by prominent PDP figures, including Elder Statesman Chief Tom Ikimi, State PDP Chairman Chief Anthony Aziegbemin, Director General of the PDP State Campaign Council Chief Matthew Iduoriyemkewen, Senator Odion Ugbesia and his brother Akhere Ugbesia, Deputy Speaker of the House Hon. Maria Edeko, Esan North East Local Government Executive Chairman Dr Kelly Inedegbor, Esan South East Local Government Chairman Hon. Louis Imhandegbelo, and popular cleric Pastor Ituah Ighodalo. Other notable attendees were John Yakubu, Esan South East PDP Chairman Mr Odiase, Hon. Joe Edionwele, and Hon. Peter Aguele.
In his address, Alhaji Isiwele pledged his and his followers’ dedication to campaigning and voting for Dr Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate in the September 21 election across Edo Central.
Responding to the support, Ighodalo assured the crowd of his commitment to lifting Edo State to a “first world sub-national” status. He stated, “I want to promise all of you gathered here today that I will not fail nor let Edo State down. Our vision is clear, what we want to achieve is clear. Edo State is well blessed with human and natural resources. The vision is to make Edo State a first world sub-national in Nigeria and a state that all of you would be proud of. All your state and which our people in the Diaspora would eagerly want to come back home to. It is doable by the grace of God and the goodwill of our people.”
The event concluded with prayers for Ighodalo’s victory, led by the Chief Imam of Uromi. The Imam also acknowledged John Yakubu’s support for the Muslim community and expressed gratitude to Governor Godwin Obaseki for his continuous support, pledging to encourage their community to vote for the PDP and Ighodalo.
With strong backing from diverse community leaders, Ighodalo’s chances in the upcoming election appear promising. The enthusiastic chants of “It’s all over, It’s all over” from supporters indicated a high level of confidence in the PDP’s success following the mass defections.
As the campaign progresses, the wave of defections to the PDP and the broad support for the Ighodalo/Ogie ticket suggest a significant boost for the party’s prospects in the September 21 gubernatorial election.
