Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State demonstrated remarkable resilience on Saturday by participating in the party’s ward congresses, electing new executives and delegates across all 192 wards, despite a heavy downpour.
In Oredo Wards I, II, and III in Benin City, where journalists observed the proceedings, the event was characterized by enthusiasm, orderliness, and a significant turnout of party supporters who braved the rain to cast their votes.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, led the monitoring team, accompanied by members of the Ward Congress Electoral Committee from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
He described the event as a clear indication of the PDP’s resilience and renewed strength in Edo. “The ward congresses were very peaceful. Members of the PDP were vibrant, very active, and elected the 17-member executives in the wards we attended,” Aziegbemi stated.
He acknowledged his initial uncertainty regarding the turnout but expressed that he was “pleasantly surprised” by the commitment of party members, many of whom arrived at the polling grounds as early as 7:30 a.m. despite the inclement weather.
“I was jittery at first, not knowing what to expect, but I was moved by the enthusiasm. We believe the PDP is on the rise, and we are confident that we will challenge the APC effectively,” he declared.
The PDP chairman further conveyed his belief that the “abysmal failure of the government at both the federal and state levels” would create an opportunity for the PDP to reclaim Edo State in the 2027 elections.
Additionally, Mr. Tariga Tulagha, Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, praised members for their unity and peaceful conduct throughout the exercise. “We went out to conduct elections for officers and delegates across all wards, and thus far, it has been peaceful with full compliance with the law. Despite the rain, people turned out in large numbers, and we are impressed,” Tulagha remarked.
He rejected the rumors of an internal crisis within the PDP in Edo, emphasizing that the voting pattern demonstrated unity.
“We noted a collective objective. If there had been any division, it would have been evident in the voting process. However, when motions were presented, the ‘ayes’ accounted for 100 percent while the ‘nays’ were nonexistent. The matter of factions is not relevant in this context,” he stated.
