By Kingsley Ohens
Benin City, the capital of Edo, witnessed a surge in political activity on Saturday as Peoples Democratic Party leaders and chieftains held their final rally, imploring Edo people to vote en masse in next Saturday’s governorship election to ensure continuity in the state’s development and progress.
Several speakers conveyed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the upcoming election, citing the solid foundation laid by Governor Godwin Obaseki over the past four years for Edo State’s growth and development.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, state party chairman, commenced proceedings at the packed Garrick Memorial Center, affirming that Edo people will independently choose their governor, unswayed by external factors. He declared the rally marked the PDP’s renaissance, stating ‘today, PDP is reborn.’
The Chairman of the National Campaign Council for Edo 2024, Ahmadu Fintri, who is also the Governor of Adamawa State, delivered a speech in which he assured the PDP family in Edo of unwavering support.
He stated, ‘We have come to demonstrate our support and solidarity to ensure a victorious election outcome. We bring a message of hope and encouragement, affirming that you are on the correct path. Edo is renowned for its intellectual prowess, and it is imperative to maintain high standards.
Governor Obaseki has demonstrated exemplary performance, and it is essential to elect a successor of equal caliber. We must reject the candidate who threatens to compromise the state’s security. We pledge our support and will be present on Saturday, the 21st, to ensure a successful outcome. We urge you to vote en masse for Asue as your next governor.’
Governor Obaseki declared in his address that Edo will continue to progress, never reverting to its past state. He highlighted the stark contrast between the state’s condition in 2016, upon assuming office, and its current status. Notably, he cited the eradication of human trafficking and prostitution, which previously tarnished the state’s reputation. Furthermore, he emphasized improvements in teacher literacy and the exemplary civil service, renowned nationwide for punctual salary payments. Pensioners now receive timely disbursements, and the governor proudly proclaimed the expulsion of notorious groups, framing the upcoming election as a vital struggle for the state’s future.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, declared in his speech, ‘We achieved success four years ago, and we will achieve it again.’ He noted that, just as it is now, the opposition party threatened the state’s ruling party with federal might, but the state’s people affirmed, ‘Edo is not Lagos.’ He then urged the people to exercise their franchise and safeguard their votes.
The Acting National Chairman, Amb Umar Damagum, stated that the party leaders visited the state to celebrate with the people, emphasizing that they have emerged victorious. He noted that the widespread acceptance of Ighodalo by the Edo people indicates a collective decision to reject insecurity, hunger, and poor governance. Furthermore, he declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been repudiated by the populace nationwide. He urged security agencies to ensure the protection of all Nigerians, warning that any failure to maintain fairness would lead to consequences, as the party would guarantee the safeguarding of votes.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free and fair election, emphasizing that his remarks were not a threat, but a serious admonition that the integrity of the electoral process would be vigorously upheld. He called on Nigerians to closely watch the Edo election, as it would serve as a critical test of the nation’s democratic institutions. He reaffirmed the party’s solid support for its candidate and cautioned Nigerians against allowing electoral irregularities in Edo State on September 21.
Damagum described the party’s flag as the ‘flag of victory’ as it was formally presented to Ighodalo subsequent to the speech.
In his address after receiving the party flag, Dr. Asue Ighodalo acknowledged the people’s substantial support over the past 10 months and vowed to propel the state forward. He pledged to work assiduously for the people, be accessible, and make them proud. He assured them that ‘we will succeed’ as he encouraged the people to participate in the polls on Saturday.
The grand finale was attended by dignitaries including members of the National Working Committee, eleven governors, National Assembly members, and other senior party officials.
