Edo guber: PDP launches campaign as Obaseki, others rally behind Ighodalo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday flagged off its campaign for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, with the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and other party faithful calling on the people of Edo to vote for the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to sustain reforms implemented in the last eight years.

The governor was joined by his wife, Mrs Betsy; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadome; PDP chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi; and other party leaders, who converged on Ubiaja Township Stadium, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, for the official flag-off of the 2024 PDP Governorship campaign in the State.

They insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is never an option, as the party has caused Nigerians hardship and suffering.

Obaseki said, “Asue Ighodalo is a man who knows what to do. The people need a credible candidate like him. We will be handing over to a winning team. Asue Ighodalo is coming to serve the people of Edo State. He is not looking for money, fame, or fortune, but to serve because of the love he has for the Edo people. Ogie, his deputy, is a trustworthy person, and together they will move the State forward.

“They will continue everything we have started. Asue Ighodalo will increase the budget to deliver more development for the people of Edo. I have never lost an election, and this will never be different.”

The PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, called on the people of Edo to vote massively for him to continue the developmental strides of the Obaseki-led administration.

He added, “It is time to continue the good works of Obaseki in the last 8 years. There is suffering, hardship, and poverty in the land, and Obaseki has worked tirelessly to protect the people of Edo. We would work to reduce the hardship of our people. We will improve on the security enjoyed in the State, create employment opportunities, and reduce criminal activities in the State. Edo has moved forward and doesn’t need those that will move the State backwards.

“I will boost agriculture, improve EdoBEST, and build industries, among others, to enhance the livelihoods of our people and ensure a prosperous, progressive State. I promise the people of Edo good governance.”

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, urged voters in the State to mobilise massively for the PDP and its candidate to ensure victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election, adding, “Our candidate is the most brilliant of them all, and he is the one who will make Edo great.”

Former Chieftain of the APC, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, said he left the APC because Monday Okpebholo, the candidate, lacked credibility and competence, noting, “After waiting for 24 years for the turn of the Esan people, the people can’t vote for Okpebholo because he can’t rule Edo State. He does not have the capacity to do so.”

On her part, the Edo State First Lady said the Obaseki-led administration has done well for the people of Edo, noting, “This governor respects law and order, fears God, and loves the people. That is why an Esan man has been picked to govern the State and continue where the incumbent stops. That Esan man is Asue Ighodalo, not the other one who can’t speak English.”

Former Edo State Deputy Governor and Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogiadome, said the PDP candidate is the best in the election.