BENIN CITY – Heavy rains on Saturday did not deter members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State as they trooped out in large numbers to participate in the party’s ward congresses, electing new executives and delegates across the 192 wards.
At Oredo Wards I, II, and III in Benin City, where journalists monitored proceedings, the exercise was marked by enthusiasm, orderliness, and a strong show of party unity.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP State Caretaker Committee, who monitored the congresses alongside members of the Ward Congress Electoral Committee from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, described the turnout as evidence of the PDP’s resilience and growing appeal.
“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.
He admitted that he had been uncertain about the outcome but was “pleasantly surprised” by the commitment of members who arrived as early as 7:30 a.m., braving the downpour to cast their votes.
“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 further expressed confidence that what he called the “abysmal failure of the government at both the federal and state levels” would pave the way for the PDP to reclaim Edo in 2027.
Also speaking, Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Mr. Tariga Tulagha, hailed the peaceful conduct of the exercise and praised members for their unity and discipline.
“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 said.
He dismissed speculations of internal crisis within the Edo PDP, insisting that unity was demonstrated in the voting process.
“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 added.
With the successful completion of the ward congresses, PDP leaders in Edo said the exercise had renewed confidence in the party’s capacity to mount a formidable challenge in the 2027 general elections.
