.. number boosts Ighodalo’s support base
By Mike O. Enahoro
As Edionwele, Aigbogun, assures over 200 decampees of equal treatment in the party…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received a massive influx of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political parties in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, boosting the support base of Barr. Asuerinme Akintunde Ighodalo’s bid to become the next Governor of Edo State.
The defectors, led by former APC, LP, NNPP, and other political party leaders, Mr. Adeshino Aremu, Hon. Ken Okosun, Elder Victor Irekpano, Sir Ogbeifun Sunny, Ms Stella Alli, who came with over 50 each cited the PDP’s commitment to the welfare of the people and its determination to develop the state as their reason for joining the party. The spokespersons who led the decampees expressed their disappointment with the leadership of their former political parties, which they accused of being undemocratic and not responsive to the needs of the people. “Let me openly praise the PDP for its commitment to the welfare of their people, and its determination to develop the state.” -Adeshino
The PDP leadership in Esan West, led by the PDP State Campaign Council Director of Operations in charge of Edo Central and BoT Chairman, The Ighodalo Movement For Edo People (TIME), Rt. Hon. Chief Joe Edionwele, Esan West Council Chairman, Hon. Collins Aigbogun, and Esan West PDP Chairman, Hon. Andy Ikhanjiangbe received the defectors and assured them of equal opportunities and treatment within the party. Chief Edionwele stated that “The PDP does not relegate anyone, regardless of when they join the party”, while Hon. Aigbogun promised that “The defectors would be given the right positions and places in the LGA.” ” On behalf of the State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, I receive you all to PDP.” -Ikhanjiangbe.
This mass defection is seen as a major setback for the APC, LP, NNPP, and other opposition parties in the state, Esan West LGA in particular, depleting their ranks and reducing their chances of winning the election. Political analysts believe that the PDP’s popularity and the defections are a testament to the party’s commitment to the welfare of the people and its determination to develop the state.
The Edo State governorship election is expected to be a keenly contested affair, with the PDP, APC, LP, and other political parties fielding candidates. The election is seen as a test of strength for the various political parties in the state, and the outcome is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of the state.
