Our reporter
The open field of Ogbaki Primary School in Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area, was transformed into a lively carnival on Wednesday as Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign for the upcoming September 21 governorship election.
The governor was joined by the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq, and other top party chieftains in a bid to galvanize support from the local electorate.
Addressing a large, enthusiastic crowd, Obaseki stressed the need for capable leadership in Edo State, particularly in light of the significant challenges currently facing Nigeria.
He warned that electing an incompetent leader would be a disservice to the State, stressing that Edo, which has enjoyed good governance under his administration, must continue on this path with experienced hands at the helm.
“Asue Ighodalo is not a push and start candidate,” Obaseki declared, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. He assured them that under Ighodalo’s leadership, projects such as the School of Agriculture (Fishery and Aqua Culture), whose foundation has already been laid, would not only continue but also be completed for the benefit of Etsako East residents.
The governor further underscored the importance of continuity in governance, urging the people to support Ighodalo and Ogie as the best team to maintain and build upon the state’s current progress.
In his own address, Dr. Ighodalo expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception and support from the people of Agenebode. He promised that, if elected, his administration would complete all ongoing projects and initiate new ones, with a focus on creating wealth through the development of the region’s blue economy potential, particularly in the riverine zone between Illushi in Esan South East and Agenebode along the River Niger.
The local PDP Chairman welcomed the campaign team and Governor Obaseki, pledging full support for the party’s candidate.
He confidently stated that the people of Etsako East are prepared to “cage the lions and tigers” on election day, ensuring a decisive victory for the PDP.
High Chief Alaba Oshoguma, a prominent party figure, also thanked the governor for fulfilling his promises to the area, including the establishment of the School of Agriculture, and assured him of their votes as a token of appreciation.
Roseline Adomi, a leader of a major support group, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that their votes would be a “thank you vote” for the governor’s efforts.
Hon. Mrs. Benedicta Attoh, the Council Chairman, confidently declared that Etsako East was a “done deal” for the PDP, while Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, thanked the people for their unwavering support and welcomed hundreds of defectors from the APC into the PDP fold.
Among the defectors was Braimoh Benjamin, a former APC member from Ward 8, who stated that they had joined the PDP to ensure Ighodalo’s victory.
Another defector, simply introduced as Collins, lambasted the APC for its dishonesty and declared that the PDP represented the true path forward for Edo State.
