Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Saturday defied a heavy downpour to participate in the party’s ward congresses, electing new executives and delegates across all the 192 wards.
At Oredo Wards I, II, and III in Benin City, where journalists monitored proceedings, the exercise was marked by enthusiasm and orderliness as party members turned out in their numbers to cast their votes.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, who led the monitoring alongside members of the Ward Congress Electoral Committee from the PDP Headquarters in Abuja, described the turnout as a testament to the party’s resilience and growing strength.
“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 said.
The PDP chairman admitted he was initially uncertain about the outcome but was “pleasantly surprised” by the commitment of members who arrived at voting grounds as early as 7:30 a.m., braving the rains to participate.
“I was jittery at first, not knowing what to expect, but I was moved by the enthusiasm. We think PDP is rising, and we believe we will give the APC a run for their money,” he declared.
Aziegbemi expressed confidence that what he described as the “abysmal failure of the government at both the federal and state levels” would clear the path for the PDP to reclaim Edo State in 2027.
Also speaking, Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Mr. Tariga Tulagha, hailed the peaceful conduct of the exercise and commended members for their unity.
“We went out to conduct elections for officers and delegates across all wards, and so far, it has been peaceful with full compliance with the law. Despite the rain, people turned out massively, and we are impressed,” Tulagha noted.
He dismissed speculations of internal crisis within the PDP in Edo, insisting that unity was demonstrated in the voting pattern.
“We observed a unity of purpose. If there was division, it would have shown in the voting process. But when motions were raised, the ‘ayes’ were 100 percent and the ‘nays’ were zero. The issue of factions does not apply here,” he said.
With the ward congresses concluded without rancour, PDP leaders in the state said the exercise had renewed confidence in the party’s capacity to mount a formidable challenge in the 2027 elections.
