As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, has called on non-indigenous people in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas to support the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo. Joining in this appeal, his son, Lucky Igbinedion, a former governor of the state, also urged the electorate to vote for Ighodalo.
This charge was made during two town hall meetings held in Okada and Iguobazuwa under the banner of the Edo State Non-Indigenous Forum. The forum includes diverse ethnic groups such as the Hausa/Fulani of the Arewa stock, Ndigbo, Yoruba, Urhobo, and others from Kogi State.
Hon. E. O Efosa conveyed Chief Igbinedion’s message to the people in Okada, emphasizing the chief’s loyalty to the PDP. He encouraged them to vote for the party, stating that “he [Igbinedion] doesn’t know any other party than the PDP.” Similarly, Efosa shared former Governor Lucky Igbinedion’s stance in Iguobazuwa, urging the people to vote massively for the PDP candidate.
At the meetings, PDP flag bearer Asue Ighodalo highlighted the significance of the upcoming election. He described it as a pivotal moment for the state, presenting a choice between progress and regression, light and darkness, and good and evil. Ighodalo encouraged voters to consider the track records of candidates and assured them of his commitment to good governance.
Representatives of the various ethnic groups at the town hall meetings pledged their full support for Ighodalo, promising to vote en masse for the PDP on election day.
