The Edo PDP Legacy, the party’s major group in the state, said it would not cast its group votes on September 21, 2024, for Asue Ighodalo
The Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] had nominated Ighodalo as the party’s governorship candidate.
Ighodalo enjoys the anointment and solid support of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Disclosing the decision of the Legacy Group at the weekend at his country home in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state, the National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbih, said the group took the position because, “all is not well with Edo PDP being led by Governor Godwin Obaseki and his chosen candidate, Asue Ighodalo.”
Orbih said: “Let me send a powerful message to PDP: we the Edo PDP are saying that all is not well with Edo PDP”.
Orbih said the “current PDP led by Gov. Godwin Obaseki and his chosen candidate Asue Ighodalo cannot lead Edo,” adding that the PDP legacy group would vote for a candidate who would represent the best interest of the good people of the state.
According to Orbih, “members of the PDP Legacy Group are the foundation of the PDP; their primary interest is anchored on unity, fairness, justice and equity.”
He said that since Obaseki came into the party in 2020, he had abandoned the group who worked and voted for his re-election.
Read hus declaration: “I am not part and parcel of PDP campaign council.
“In 2020 we came out in Edo North supporting the election and re-election of Gov Godwin Obaseki.
“I, Chief Dan Orbih, worked with Gov Obaseki to deliver him.
“People ask me the question where are we today? What is the way forward?
“Let me tell you: all is not well with Edo State PDP.
”As we prepare and move forward for the up coming election, we will do all we can to let Edo people know that this election is about Edo and the future of our people.
“Let me send a powerful message to PDP, we the Edo PDP are saying that all is not well with Edo PDP.
”I hereby denounce and reject my membership of PDP Edo campaign council.
“Obaseki and his chosen candidate must tell us what they are up to.”
The PDP national vice chairman South South expressed displeasure over the removal of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, describing it as purely political.
Orbih said that the legacy PDP group was solidly behind the ex-deputy governor.
“The quest to remove Philip Shaibu as deputy governor is political.
“The present predicament of Philip Shaibu is that some persons are saying you have no right to contest the election.
“We are here today to let the good people of Edo North know that we support you, appreciate you and in the matter between you and Edo State government we stand by you.
“I am aware and convinced Philip Shaibu has taken his case to Court to determine whether the governor was right or wrong.
“As for the PDP legacy group we are proud of Philip Shaibu,” Orbih said.
A former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto said PDP under the leadership of Godwin Obaseki could not manage the success of the victory in 2020.
Adjoto said that instead of Obaseki to consolidate on the victory recorded in 2020 election by rewarding those that worked for his re-election, he opted for other persons outside the party who never worked for the party.
Adjoto, however, pledged to work with the Dan Orbih’s PDP in the forth coming Edo election, adding that he and his supporters in Akoko Edo were on the same page with the Orbih’s legacy group.
“Chief Dan Orbih, we have seen what you saw and we are here to queue behind you; anywhere you go, we go.
“We are waiting for your instruction,” Adjoto said.
The ex-Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu said he was with the Dan Orbih’s PDP legacy group.
Shaibu said Edo people could not vote for a candidate who did not know the problem and challenges faced by the Edo people.
“We will not vote for an outsider in Edo State.
“Edo State needs a home-grown person. I want to assure you that we are in support of Chief Dan Orbih legacy group.
“We will not support Asue Ighodalo, but wait for the direction of the PDP legacy group on who to vote for,” Shaibu said.
The meeting had in attendance Leaders of PDP Edo North legacy, Chief Hilary Otsu, Barrister Adelaja Okuns, Richard Ehimegba, chief Osikhena, Eng. Fred Attah, Hon Jega, Jude Imagwe, Damian Lawani, Akhaba, Fred Attah.
Hon Omoregie Ogbeide Ihama, a former House of Reps member for Oredo Federal Constituency was in attendance as a mark of solidarity.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
