The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, August 29, formally flagged off its campaign for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State .
The state governor, Godwin Obaseki, during the event, urged the public to support the party's candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to continue the reforms he has implemented over the past eight years.
Speaking at the Ubiaja Township Stadium, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area for the official flag-off of the 2024 PDP Governorship campaign in state, the governor insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is never an option.
The governor, who was joined by his wife, Mrs. Betsy; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadome; PDP chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi, and other party leaders, said the APC has caused Nigerians hardship and suffering.
Obaseki said: “Asue Ighodalo is a man who knows what to do. The people need a credible candidate like him. We will be handing over to a winning team. Asue Ighodalo is coming to serve the people of Edo State.
"He is not looking for money, fame, or fortune but to serve because of the love he has for Edo people. Ogie, his deputy, is a trustworthy person, and together, they will move the state forward.
“They will continue everything we have started. Asue Ighodalo will increase the budget to deliver more development for Edo people. I have never lost an election, and this will never be different".
On his part, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo called on the people to vote massively for him to continue with the developmental strides of the Obaseki-led administration.
“It is time to continue the good works of Obaseki in the last 8 years. There is suffering, hardship, and poverty in the land, and Obaseki has worked tirelessly to protect Edo people. We would work to reduce the hardship of our people.
"We will improve on the security enjoyed in the state, create employment opportunities, and reduce criminal activities in the state. Edo has moved forward and doesn't need those who will move the state backward.
“I will boost agriculture, build industries, among others to enhance the livelihoods of our people and ensure a prosperous, progressive State. I promise Edo people good governance.”
Also speaking, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, urged the electorates to go out to mobilize massively for the PDP and its candidate to ensure victory in the governorship election.
In his remarks, a former Chieftain of the APC, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, said he left the APC because Monday Okpebholo, the candidate, lacked credibility and competence,.
He noted that "after waiting for 24 years for the turn of Esan people, the people can’t vote Okpebholo because he can’t rule Edo State. He does not have the capacity to do so.”
