By Engr. Dr. Mike O. Enahoro
“The umbrella is large enough to cover everyone” -Aziegbemi
In a significant political development, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State has received a massive boost with the defection of over 975 members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The defection ceremony, which took place at the Party LGA Secretariat on July 10, 2024, was attended by high-ranking PDP leaders, including National Leader of the PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District, High Chief Tom Ikimi, PDP State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, PDP Candidate for Edo 2024, Barr. Dr. Asuerinme Akintunde Ighodalo, and many others.
The decampees were led by prominent figures, including former LGA Executive Chairman, Silvanus Igbogbo, 2023 LP House Assembly Candidate, Engr. Obehi Ayemere, Chief Mike Enimiye, Chief Harrison Akahome, and Mr. Joseph Aghedo.
High Chief Tom Ikimi, in his address, debunked the opposition’s claims, stating that the “APC has resorted to lies and propaganda due to their lack of substance.” He reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to good governance, emphasizing that “Barr. Asuerinme Ighodalo remains our party’s candidate for the Edo 2024 election.”
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, in his welcome address, assured the decampees of a warm reception into the PDP family, stating “Our party’s umbrella is large enough to accommodate everyone.”
The PDP Candidate, Barr. Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from Igueben LGA and reiterated his promise to provide good governance for the people of Edo State and Nigeria at large. “When we resume office by the Grace of God, we will provide good governance. But we are going to work, work, and work.”
The event was attended by prominent PDP leaders including member of the State Campaign Council & Director of Operations in charge of Edo Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Chief Joe Edionwele, Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State and former Zonal Secretary of the Party, Hon. Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, Edo Central PDP Senatorial Chairman, Archbishop Anthony Okosun, former Speaker Edo State House of Assembly and Special Adviser to tor Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Barr. Friday Itulah, former Igueben LGA Executive Chairman and former PDP State Secretary, Hon. Barr. Felix Omi Imoisili, Hon. John Inegbedion, and many others.
This massive defection is a clear indication of the PDP’s growing strength in Edo State and a testament to the party’s commitment to good governance. With this development, the PDP is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming election.
