In a carnival-like atmosphere on Sunday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) welcomed over three hundred defectors from the All Progressives Congress APC, Labour Party and other fringe political parties at its Airport Road secretariat in Benin City.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, their leaders: Princess Uzoma Okoli, Mr Chukwenonso Nnabuefe, Matthew Esosa, Chioma Uche all of the labour party; Ernest Aburime and Prophetess Divine Agete of the APC, all hinged their actions on the fact that they decided to join the PDP because they have discovered that the party’s candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, is the only one who has shown clearly how he would ensure security in the state and engender prosperity for all.
They equally made reference to his wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, whose visible enthusiasm and appeal to them, they stated, sounded too convincing to be discounted.
They also argued that Ighodalo’s proven track record shows he has the capacity, credibility and competence to govern Edo State. They maintain that he is the only candidate among other candidates that has spoken of how to lead Edo to further progress, peace, prosperity and economic boom.
They revealed that the APC has brought untold hardship to Nigerians and that they can’t allow that to happen in Edo State and only Dr. Ighodalo can sustain the progress enjoyed in Edo State.
The defectors who were mostly women were joined by Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo as they danced excitedly to campaign tunes blaring from heavy speakers, brandishing their voters cards.
Receiving the defectors into the PDP, the state chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, lauded them for their courage to join the party at this time.
He enjoined them to go back to their respective wards and work for the success of PDP come September 21, adding that the PDP is the only party that deliver dividends of democracy.
In her address, punctuated by loud ovation from the joyous women, Mrs. Ighodalo thanked the defectors for taking the right decision of joining the PDP, saying it is the only true progressive party in the country and urged everyone to come out enmasse to vote the ‘Umbrella’ come September 21.
Also welcoming the defectors, the Director -General of PDP governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, commended them for the bold step, saying it was a wise decision to join the party that truly cares about the people of the state.
