The Ward to-Ward Campaign Train of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday stormed Igbanke and other wards in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, reaping over 600 defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The Igbanke rally was held at the Igbanke Primary School for Igbanke West and Igbanke East, representing wards 11 and 12 respectively.
The campaign venue was full to capacity by enthusiastic party supporters who danced excitedly to party songs, turning the atmosphere into a carnival.
In his welcome speech, the PDP Chairman for Orhionmwon LGA, Prince Stanley Uduoze, thanked the people and expressed joy that they came out in their numbers. He charged them to remain consistent and hold on for the remaining 50 days to elect the candidate of the party, Dr Asue Ighodalo.
The Director-General of the Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, while also thanking the people, charged them to support PDP as it is the only true party that loves the people.
Then the state chairman of the party, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, began the process of receiving the defectors. He advised that only the leaders should step forward to the podium to avoid over-crowding the platform on which they were standing.
First to be called was Pastor Hon Godwin Eleduwa who defected from the APC back to the PDP.
While speaking, Pastor Eleduwa assured that they were coming to add value to the party at the ward and local government levels. He was admitted and an umbrella was given to him as a symbolic gesture of admission into the party.
Then came the turn of Mrs Esther Onyijen, who from all indications happens to be a very popular person considering the rather large number of supporters that accompanied her. Dr Aziegbemi was forced to integrate her there and then as one of the canvassers representing Igbanke East Ward.
After the defectors were accepted, Dr Aziegbemi, then invited the candidate and his running mate to address the people.
The deputy governorship candidate, Barr Osarodion Ogie Esq, spoke first. He assured the people that if voted into office, Ighodalo and himself will ensure that they complete the road project started by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
In his speech, Ighodalo expressed gratitude for their loyalty and for sticking to the PDP.
He promised to eradicate poverty, complete all ongoing projects and empower women and youths.
Other party chieftains present, include the Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Newman Ugiabe. Others are Hon. Harrison Omagbon, Barr. Chris Agbonwanegbe, Prince Stanley Uduoze, among others.
From there the campaign train moved to Oza and Aibiokunla Wards 1 and 2 where an unprecedented crowd trooped out to welcome the PDP governorship campaign train at the Oza Primary School field which served as the venue of the rally. It is the ward of Dcn. Festus Osaigbovo, Director Edo Liaison Office, Abuja, and leader of the ward.
The Special adviser to the governor on political matters, Lady Uwa Osunbor, Chairman of Orhionmwon local government Hon. Newman Ugiabe thanked the party faithfuls for their supporters so far. They also pleaded with the people to remain steadfast and to come out en mass to vote PDP for continuous progress and development in the local government area.
In all, defectors said to be over 600 dumped the APC, LP and NNPP.
