As the Edo State governorship election approaches, former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, alongside Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and other prominent figures, arrived in Benin City for the PDP’s Grand Finale Rally. The event is taking place in Oredo Local Government Area ahead of the election slated for September 21, 2024.
The PDP shared videos and images of the event on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, encouraging supporters to “join us in Oredo, Benin City as we make history and march towards victory.”
Asue Ighadalo, the PDP’s candidate, is hoping to succeed the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, also a PDP member. Obaseki’s tenure has been marked by both achievements and controversy, and Ighadalo’s candidacy aims to continue the party’s governance in Edo State.
In a related development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, revealed his family ties with the Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha. Wike, however, assured that despite being cousins, Mr. Onuoha’s duties in overseeing the election would not be influenced by their relationship.
“I have told Governor Obaseki that I would not support Ighadalo,” Wike stated during a Channels TV interview, explaining that his past support for Obaseki during the 2020 elections had not been reciprocated, leading to his decision not to endorse Obaseki’s chosen candidate for the upcoming polls.
The rally comes at a crucial time, as the PDP seeks to consolidate support ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested election in Edo State.
