Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Saturday led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state to Owan West and East Local Government Areas, assuring the people that the “PDP has a solid team that means well for the people.”
The day’s campaign began in Owan West, where Governor Obaseki commissioned the 30-kilometre Sobe/Sabongida-Ora Road.
Welcoming the governor at Sabongida-Ora, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, expressed gratitude on behalf of the people, appreciating the administration’s policy of treating every part of the state equally and specifically thanking the governor for the newly commissioned road.
Agbebaku assured Governor Obaseki that Owan West was fully in support of the PDP. He also presented an award from the farmers in the area to the governor as a token of their appreciation.
While cutting the tape to officially open the road, Governor Obaseki stated that he had fulfilled the promise made to them four years ago in 2020. He also assured the people that his successor, Asue Ighodalo, would continue the work and do even more for them.
The governor explained that the plan behind the commissioned road was to connect more communities through internal roads, reducing reliance on federal roads. He thanked the crowd for their continued support and expressed hope that they would continue to support the PDP in the upcoming election.
Governor Obaseki emphasized the unity of Edo State, noting that everyone, regardless of their origin, should have the opportunity to serve as governor. He stated that he had laid a strong foundation, and Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie would build on it, urging the people to vote for the PDP to ensure the continuation of regular salaries and timely gratuities.
One of the local chiefs also thanked the governor for the road and assured him that Owan West would vote for Ighodalo and Ogie in the election.
At the campaign rally held at the Owan West Headquarters Field, Speaker Agbebaku reiterated his earlier statement, praising Governor Obaseki’s achievements and pledging support for Ighodalo and Ogie.
Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo also spoke, declaring that Governor Obaseki’s love for Edo North would be rewarded by the people’s votes in the election.
In his speech, the PDP flag bearer, Asue Ighodalo, expressed gratitude to the governor and the people, promising to surpass Governor Obaseki’s achievements. He pledged to bring companies that would process farm products to the area and restore the glory of cocoa production by building processing industries.
Hundreds of defectors joined the PDP during the campaign and promised to vote for Ighodalo and Ogie in the upcoming election.
The campaign then moved to Afuze in Owan East, where it was received by a large, jubilant crowd.
Addressing the crowd at the Afuze Township Stadium, the PDP Local Government Chairman, Leslie Ebosojie, welcomed the governor and his campaign team, assuring them that the PDP would win in Owan East.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader in the area, Monday Afreagbe, defected to the PDP along with about 200 others. They were warmly welcomed and assured of equal opportunities within the party.
Speaking to the crowd, Ighodalo promised to restore Afuze as a hub of sporting activities and urged the people to continue supporting the PDP, which he described as the party of light, promising more roads, enhanced security, and the development of agro-allied industries.
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Governor Obaseki concluded by assuring the people that the PDP had the best team to deliver on their promises. He acknowledged that no single government could complete all the necessary work but emphasized that Ighodalo and Ogie would continue from where he left off.
“We have a solid team that means well for Edo State. They will continue from where I will stop. This man [Ighodalo] is a good man. He is coming to serve Edo State, not to steal. He is not seeking fame. He has everything and is very comfortable.
“Vote for them. Don’t vote for those who will bring suffering. Don’t vote for those who don’t know what to do when they get into office. Please, vote for PDP,” he urged.
