Edo Guber: PDP Supporters in Solidarity Rally for Asue Ighodalo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Thousands of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) support groups yesterday marched through the city centre in the state capital, Benin City, in solidarity with the candidate of the party, Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie.

The rally led to heavy gridlock in adjoining streets to the city-centre including the Government Reservation Area (GRA) for several hours.

Organisers of the solidarity march said the recent court ruling on the primary election of the party was a kangaroo ruling that would not stand and called on the people of the state to remain committed and vote for the PDP and Ighodalo come September 21.

Speaking, one of the leaders of the support group, Austin Osakue said:  “Don’t be distracted, we will not surrender, we will not retreat, we will not be dissuaded by their lies.

“My message is that to win an election, you must cast votes, as we know Asue Ighodalo that is how we know Osarodion Ogie, a man of humility. When a man is humble, even god will fetch firewood for him.

“This election, nobody must be intimidated. If they like, let them be carrying court ruling around, you have all heard that there is nothing in that court ruling, instead of them to be campaigning, they are celebrating, but they can’t even campaign because their candidate is a liability, with our voters card, we will punish them.”

Ighodalo accompanied by his running mate, Ogie and others said: “The time has come for our happiness to continue, the time has come for us to have more work, the time has come for us to have more money in our pockets and by the grace of God by September when you people would have voted for me and Ogie, more upward movement will come.

“I want you to remain strong, want you to remain happy, don’t be afraid of anything, God is in control. Everybody should get their cards ready so that by September 21, we will vote for PDP to ensure that the votes are counted and we will follow it to the collation centre until we are announced the winner and the state will continue to prosper. Don’t be afraid.”

The solidarity march was attended by members and leaders of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, including its Director General, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen; Deputy Director General, John Yakubu; Deputy Director, Media and Publicity,  Olu Martins; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and others.