Notwithstanding the mid-morning heavy downpour in Benin City, the coalition of non-indigenes of Edo State made up of several ethnic groups across Nigeria who are residents in the state, on Thursday threw its weight behind Dr Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 21 September governorship election.
The endorsement, considered as another significant political gain ahead of the election by Ighodalo, came just two days after a massive rally that shook the Benin City centre by supporters of Ighodalo and the PDP.
It also came a day after almost a thousand defectors dumped their parties in Igueben and pledged their loyalty to Ighodalo and the PDP.
The Thursday endorsement has further swelled the rank of the supporters of Ighodalo and the PDP.
The coalition which came out in their numbers, declared Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq, as their sole candidates in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
In attendance to receive the supporters were the State Party Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemhi, leader of PDP in Edo South, Pa Dickson Imasogie and also the Patron of the group (Coalition Of Ethnic Nationality, Nigeria, Edo State Chapter which is a registered body that covers the entire indigene groups in the state.
There was also the PDP leader in Egor LGA, Osagie Osifo; the DDG media and publicity of the PDP campaign management committee, Rev. Leo Olu Martins among others.
Man of the moment, Dr Asue Ighodalo, commended the group for their endorsement and assured them of inclusive leadership when elected.
He said he doesn’t consider them non-indigenes as they have been naturalised as Edolites as long as they have been living here for long.
The party chairman then encouraged the group to mobilise more members to support and vote PDP in the coming gubernatorial election.
