On Tuesday, the community of Uhunmwode came alive for Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming September 21 election in Edo State, along with his running mate, Barrister Osarodion Ogie Esq. The Ward to Ward Campaign train of the PDP made a vibrant stop in the Local Government Area, drawing an exuberant crowd reminiscent of a festival at the open field of the Ehor Primary Health Center.
The campaign event was met with spirited enthusiasm as supporters from Ehor Ward 1, Uhi Ward 2, Igieduma Ward 3, and Irhue Ward 4 gathered to show their backing. Mr. Charles Egbe, a local community leader, addressed the crowd, declaring Uhunmwode firmly in favor of the Asue-Ogie ticket and the PDP. He urged residents to turn out in large numbers to support the party’s symbol, the ‘Umbrella.’
Elder Dickson Imasogie, a member of the factional Legacy Group within the PDP, made a compelling case for Ighodalo, asserting that he is the candidate who can be trusted.
Having previously been a part of the aggrieved faction, Imasogie emphasized his decision to switch allegiance to Asue Ighodalo, citing his confidence in Ighodalo’s capabilities to lead the state and party effectively.
Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the campaign council’s Director-General, echoed these sentiments, claiming the PDP is the only party genuinely committed to the welfare of Edo State’s citizens. He urged the populace to remain resolute in their support for the PDP for the sake of good governance.
Dr. Ighodalo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout at the campaign, pledging to enhance agricultural productivity in the local government and to establish a fruit processing factory.
He also committed to addressing water supply issues and ensuring that ongoing projects in the area are completed. Ogie, his running mate, promised to prioritize the repair of Irhue and Uhi roads to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce once elected.
A notable moment in the campaign was the defection of two lawyers, Barr. Daniel Ogbegie and Barr. Felix Alari, who were formerly dedicated members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ogbegie cited the party’s failure to nominate a competent candidate as his reason for leaving. Both lawyers urged their community to rally behind the PDP and Ighodalo for a successful election.
Additionally, former Labour Party candidates Mr. Nicolas Edokpayi and Hon. Jegede Robinson joined the campaign with their supporters, receiving symbolic umbrellas from the campaign DG to signify their integration into the PDP.
As of this report, the campaign train is set to continue its journey to Eguaholor Isi North and Isi South, maintaining the momentum of support for the PDP in the lead-up to the election.
