By Lucky Isibor
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 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 Edo people 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 Oghiadome; 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 that 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 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 Edo people. I have never lost an election and this will never be different.”
The PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo called on Edo people to vote massively for him to continue with the developmental strides of the Obaseki-led administration.
“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 Edo people. 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.”
Ighodalo assured, “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 Edo people good governance.”
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, urged voters in the State to go out to mobilize 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 that will make Edo great.”
Former Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Francis Inegbeneki said he left the APC because Monday Okpebholo the candidate lacked the credibility and competence, noting, “After waiting for 24 years for the turn of Esan people, the people can’t vote Okpebholo because he can’t rule Edo State. He does not have the capacity to do so. We cannot waste our vote as Esan to someone whose brain is not working well. The governor has done well, therefore, Edo State votes is for someone with capacity”.
On her part, the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki said the Obaseki-led administration has done well for Edo people, 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.
According to Oghiadome, “Edo is the heart beat of Nigeria . We always put forward our best. Asue and Ogie are the best combination the Esan people have given to Edo people.
Edo people should wise up. We don’t want a repeat of 2015 when they campaign against the best candidate, today, we are suffering”.
In a quick response, former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly and present member representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben federal constituency, Hon Marcus Onobun said “hunger in the land is much. Come out and vote for PDP to sustain the good work that the governor has done.He enjoined the people to monitor their votes at all levels”.
Former House of Representatives member, Hon Sergius Ogun in a remark said “We are voting for Asue and Ogie. They stand for many things and I assure you all that they will deliver good governance to the people of Edo state”.
Former PDP national leader and former Minister of Foreign affairs, Chief Tom Ikhimi appreciated all the leaders and party supporters. According to him “I appreciate the fact that the flag off is taking place in Esan land. I thank everyone who made this possible to allow us find the candidate. We have produced the best candidates and we can’t go back to the dark old days” .
He further said “Tinubu should allow free and fair election. The IGP and DSS should be told to guarantee the security of the people rather than taking orders to bully the electorate”,he said.
Chief Odion Ogbesia equally appreciated the leaders in Edo north and Edo south for the opportunity given to the Esan people, especially the governor who has worked to actualize the “Edo Dream”.
The Director General for Asue and Ogie Campaign Council, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, thanked all the party faithful for their commitment and support. He said “Edo must move forward along the line of progress. We have only one authentic and original Esan candidate for the next governor who is Dr Asue Ighodalo . Go home talk to everyone around you”.
The state chairman of the party Dr Tony Aziegbemi appreciated the governor, Gov Godwin Obaseki for supporting the Esan agenda. He said “as a party we know the election is done and dusted” . He received some principal officers into the party like Chief Francis Inegbeneki , Mr Fidelis Odiase, vice chairman Edo central NNPP. Mrs Joan Okojie, senatorial woman leader NNPP, and Hon Magdalene Ohenhen.