Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State spearheaded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Owan West and East Local Government Areas, assuring the residents that the PDP has a “solid team that means well for the people.”

The campaign began in Owan West, where Governor Obaseki inaugurated the 30-kilometer Sobe/Sabongida-Ora Road. During the event, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, commending the administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state and specifically thanking the governor for the newly commissioned road.

Agbebaku also presented an award from local farmers to the governor as a token of appreciation, affirming Owan West’s full support for the PDP.

While officially opening the road, Governor Obaseki reminded the community that he had fulfilled a promise made four years ago in 2020. He assured the people that his successor, Asue Ighodalo, would continue the progress and deliver even more. The governor explained that the newly commissioned road was part of a broader plan to connect more communities through internal roads, reducing reliance on federal infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the community would continue to support the PDP in the upcoming election.

Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of unity in Edo State, asserting that everyone, regardless of their origin, should have the opportunity to serve as governor. He noted that he had laid a strong foundation for the state and urged the people to vote for Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, to ensure the continuation of progress, including regular salaries and timely gratuities.

At a campaign rally held at the Owan West Headquarters Field, Speaker Agbebaku reiterated his support for the PDP, praising Governor Obaseki’s achievements and pledging full backing for Ighodalo and Ogie. Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo also addressed the gathering, affirming that Governor Obaseki’s commitment to Edo North would be rewarded with votes.

The PDP flag bearer, Asue Ighodalo, thanked the governor and the people for their support, promising to surpass Governor Obaseki’s accomplishments. He pledged to attract companies that would process farm products in the area and revive cocoa production by establishing processing industries.

During the campaign, hundreds of defectors joined the PDP and pledged their support for Ighodalo and Ogie in the upcoming election.

The campaign later moved to Afuze in Owan East, where it was met with a jubilant crowd. At the Afuze Township Stadium, PDP Local Government Chairman Leslie Ebosojie welcomed the governor and his team, assuring them of the PDP’s victory in Owan East.

An APC youth leader in the area, Monday Afreagbe, along with about 200 others, defected to the PDP and were warmly received, with assurances of equal opportunities within the party.

Addressing the crowd, Ighodalo vowed to restore Afuze as a hub of sporting activities and urged continued support for the PDP, promising more roads, enhanced security, and the development of agro-allied industries.

Governor Obaseki concluded by reiterating that the PDP had the best team to deliver on their promises. He acknowledged that no single administration 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. Asue 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,” the governor urged.