By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
A prominent chieftain from the rulling party All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Musa Isiwele has led over 3,000 members to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday in Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area in Edo State.
In his address, the former state Deputy Commissioner of Police, Isiwele, expressed his commitment to supporting
the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming September 21 governorship election, pledging to work tirelessly to ensure his victory.
Responding to the show of support, Ighodalo assured the crowd of his dedication to transforming Edo State, emphasizing his vision to elevate the state to a first-world sub-national status.
Ighadalo promised:”I will not fail nor let Edo State down,our vision is clear. Edo State is well blessed with human and natural resources.
The vision is to make Edo State a first-world sub-national in Nigeria, a state that all of you would be proud of, and one our people in the Diaspora would eagerly want to return to.”
Prominent members of the PDP Legacy Group and the Anenih family declared Esan North East Local Government Area firmly in support of the PDP, dubbing it “locked down for PDP.”
The high-profile defection was witnessed by some key figures of PDP including, the state PDP Chairman, Chief Tom Ikimi, the Director General of the PDP State Campaign Council, Chief Anthony Aziegbemin, Chief Matthew Iduoriyemkewen, Senator Odion Ugbesia, Deputy Speaker , Hon Maria Edeko, and Esan North East Local Government Executive Chairman, Dr Kelly Inedegbor. Also in attendance were Esan South East Local Government Ch Honourable Louis Imhandegbelo, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, John Yakubu, Honourable Joe Edionwele, and Honourable Peter Aguele, among others.
The Chief Imam of Uromi concluded the event with prayers for Ighodalo’s success in the election, praising John Yakubu for his support of the Muslim community and acknowledging Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ongoing assistance.
With backing from leaders of various faiths and broad community support, Ighodalo’s prospects in the upcoming election appear strong. The atmosphere at the event was charged with optimism, as chants of “It’s all over” resonated among supporters, signaling their confidence in a PDP victory on September 21.
