Hundreds of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State trooped out in a solidarity march for the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo, the party’s flag bearer for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
The march was led by the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, and other members of the council including Ighodalo and his running mate.
The rally led to gridlock within the city centre for several hours.
Speaking with newsmen during the rally, Iduoriyekemwen said that the opposition was trying to distract the public with the court judgement nullifying the primary election that produced the candidate.
He insisted that the judgment was a mere distraction that would not stand.
Iduoriyekemwen noted that President Bola Tinubu had always been at the forefront of the fight for democracy in Nigeria and stressed that no party in the state should count on any external influence to win the election.
He called on the people of the state to remain committed and vote Ighodalo by September 21.
Also, Mr Austin Osakue, one of the leaders of the support group, urged the people not to be distracted.
“We will not surrender, we will not retreat, we will not be dissuaded by their lies,” Osakue said.
“This election, nobody must intimidate us. If they like, let them be carrying court ruling around. You have all heard that there is nothing in that court ruling.
“Instead of them to be campaigning, they are celebrating.”
Ighodalo, who was accompanied by his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, urged the people to support the party.
“By the grace of God, by September, when you people would have voted for me and Ogie, more upward movement will come,” Ighodalo said.
“I want you to remain strong. I want you to remain happy; don’t be afraid of anything. God is in control. Everybody should get their PVCs ready so that by September 21, We will vote for PDP to ensure that the votes are counted and we will follow it to the collation centre until we are announced the winner and the state will continue to prosper.”
The march was attended by members and leaders of the PDP including its Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, Rev Olu Martins, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and other chieftains.
