Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State defied heavy rain on Saturday to elect new executives and delegates across the state’s 192 wards.
At Oredo Wards I, II and III in Benin City, journalists observed an orderly and enthusiastic exercise, with large numbers of members braving the downpour to cast their votes.
Dr Tony Aziegbemi, chairman of the PDP State Caretaker Committee, led the monitoring team alongside members of the Ward Congress Electoral Committee from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. He described the turnout as proof of the party’s resilience.
“The ward congresses were very peaceful. PDP members were vibrant and active, and they elected the 17-member executives in the wards we visited,” Aziegbemi said.
He admitted he had initial doubts about attendance but was “pleasantly surprised” by the commitment of party members, many of whom arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. despite the rain.
“I was jittery at first, not knowing what to expect, but I was moved by the enthusiasm. PDP is rising, and we will give the APC a run for their money,” he declared.
Aziegbemi expressed confidence that what he called the “abysmal failure of the government at federal and state levels” would open the way for the PDP to reclaim Edo in the 2027 elections.
Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Mr Tariga Tulagha, praised the peaceful conduct of members and the unity displayed during the vote.
“We went out to conduct elections for officers and delegates across all wards, and it was peaceful with full compliance with the law. Despite the rain, turnout was massive, and we are impressed,” Tulagha said.
He dismissed speculation about internal divisions in the Edo PDP, noting that voting patterns reflected harmony. “When motions were raised, the ‘ayes’ were 100 per cent and the ‘nays’ zero. There is no question of factions here,” he added.