This was the harvest of defectors yesterday in Auchi, Etsako West Local Council as the campaign trail of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, came to the town, in Edo North Senatorial District.
Receiving the defectors numbering over 3000 amidst cheers and colorful welcome from PDP supporters, the governor said the challenges facing the nation are due to bad leadership.
The governor, who addressed party supporters at the Public Square in Auchi,
also present all the candidates for various positions in the upcoming general election to the people of the area.
He said: “Edo North is a pillar of PDP in Edo State. Edo is a special state and God gave us the best but we failed to use the opportunity. Things are bad and difficult in Nigeria because of bad leaders and when we get rid of bad leaders , Nigeria will be
great.
“The process of removing bad leaders will start on February 25, 2023. If we succeed, Nigeria will be great again. Atiku Abubakar is the next president of Nigeria because he has the experience, capacity and know what to do to move the country forward.
The governor said that Atiku has promised to address youth unemployment and the dualization of Benin/Auchi Road connecting Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South within one year of his administration.
Obaseki added: “I asked him that within one year in office, he should help us repair and build two roads connecting Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South. He has promised to give us money to work on the road. He is not yet president and he had promised.
Introducing the party candidate, Obaseki noted: “Francis Alimikhena was not supported by Adams Oshiomhole. That is why he lost the Senate Deputy seat to Omo-Agege from Delta State. Oshiomhole also wanted to join forces with Kabiru Adjoto to remove me from office and because Adjoto refused, he started having problems with Oshiomhole.
“The House of Assembly is 24/24. We did it before and we can do it again. The representatives given to you will not sell your mandate. They will not run away, but they will work for you.”
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu said the campaign was a celebration of PDP’s victory in the election, urging the people to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to achieve the victory.
He said: “APC has nothing to show but feels that we are a commodity that can be bought easily and cheaply. They are ready to buy votes but we have to prove that with our PVC, February 25, we are not for sale. The PDP leader in Edo North, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, added: “I call on the people of Edo North to change because the APC has lied to Nigerians and increased the suffering of the people. Nigerians are suffering and we do not want to continue to suffer. So, PDP is the answer come February 25, 2023.