The non-indigenous communities in Ovia North-East and South-West local governments of Edo, on Monday endorsed the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo of the PDP for governor come Sept. 21.
At two separate town hall meetings held in Okada and Iguobazuwa, the Edo Non-Indigenous Forum pledged their full support for Ighodalo.
The forum comprised various ethnic groups, including the Hausa/Fulani of the Arewa community, Ndigbo, Yoruba, Urhobo, and other groups from Kogi.
They warmly welcomed Ighodalo, his wife, and other members of his campaign team.
The forum pledged to vote en masse for the PDP candidate on Saturday.
Speaking at Okada, Mr. Emmanuel Efosa conveyed a message from the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, urging the people to support the PDP and declared he knew no other party but the PDP.
Efosa also communicated the stance of former two-term governor of Edo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who called on the people to turn out in large numbers on Saturday and vote for the PDP.
In his address, Ighodalo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and turnout.
He emphasised that the upcoming election would be a crucial moment for the state, adding that it would be a clear choice between progress and regression, good and bad.
“On Saturday, we will make a critical decision in Edo, when choosing your leader, consider the track record of the individuals.
“Give your vote to the one who can lead you effectively,” he said.
He thanked the various ethnic groups for their support and urged them to come out in large numbers on election day, noting that the opposition had nothing significant to offer.
At Iguobazuwa, the administrative headquarters of Ovia South-West Local Government, Ighodalo and his team were warmly received.
Chief Aderemi Ogunwale, the Baale of Ogunwale community, who spoke on behalf of the Yoruba community and farmers, thank the PDP candidate for taking out time to meet with them.
He assured Ighodalo of their support, stating that they would not trade a good product for an inferior one.
Ogunwale promised their votes and emphasised the importance of defending them on election day.(NAN)
