As the Edo governorship election approaches in September, 192 councillors across the state have endorsed the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and issued a vote of confidence in Governor Godwin Obaseki. This endorsement follows allegations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Chairman for Media and Publicity in Etsako East Local Government Area, Mr. Agbukor Lucky, who claimed the councillors were disgruntled due to unpaid salaries and planned to oppose Ighodalo.
The councillors dismissed Lucky’s claims as misleading and a direct attack on democracy. They praised Obaseki for his effective governance, including the timely payment of salaries and the provision of vehicles for legislative leaders.
During an emergency meeting held in Agenebode, key legislative leaders such as Solomon Oguma (Etsako East), Augustine Oleleayegbele (lueben Local Government), Omoruyi Igbinake (Ovia North East), and Aikhodion Joshua Braih (Owan East) expressed their support for Ighodalo and called for Lucky’s arrest, accusing him of spreading false information.
Oguma lauded Obaseki for his generous support, noting that all legislative leaders received vehicles during a time of widespread expectations. Oleleayegbele and Igbinake both rejected the claims, with Igbinake condemning the APC’s attempts to create confusion and suggesting that Ighodalo’s victory is certain.
In a statement by Mr. Benjamin Atu, Chief Press Secretary to the Etsako East Local Government Council, the councillors accused the APC of attempting to rig the election by inciting discord. They urged the police to investigate the false campaign and called for Lucky’s arrest.
The councillors affirmed their commitment to Ighodalo’s candidacy and to supporting Obaseki, expressing confidence that their efforts would secure a decisive victory in the upcoming election.
