Politics
Edo PDP defy heavy downpour to elect new Ward Excos, delegates
Written By: Udo Inobeme
15 Sep 2025 03:54 AM
Benin, Edo State – In a show of unwavering commitment, members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State braved torrential rains on Saturday to participate in the party's ward congresses, successfully electing new executives and delegates across all 192 wards statewide.
The exercise, held on September 13, 2025, proceeded peacefully despite the adverse weather, with party faithful turning out in large numbers as early as 7:30 a.m.
Journalists monitoring the process at Oredo Wards I, II, and III in Benin City reported high enthusiasm, with voters casting ballots undeterred by the downpour.
The congresses marked a key step in rebuilding the party's grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who led a monitoring team alongside officials from the party's national headquarters in Abuja, described the turnout as a "pleasant surprise."
"I was jittery at first, not knowing what to expect, but I was moved by the enthusiasm," Aziegbemi said.
He noted that members were "vibrant and very active," electing 17-member executive committees in the wards visited.
Aziegbemi expressed optimism about the PDP's resurgence, stating, "We think PDP is rising, and we believe we will give the APC a run for their money."
The PDP leader attributed the party's momentum to what he called the "abysmal failure of the government at both the federal and state levels," predicting a reclaiming of Edo State in 2027.
Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Tariga Tulagha, also commended the peaceful and unified conduct of members, highlighting the exercise's success as a testament to the party's internal cohesion.
The ward congresses come at a pivotal moment for the PDP in Edo, which has grappled with internal disputes and defections following its loss in the 2024 governorship election to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Party stakeholders view the event as the foundation for mobilizing support and positioning the PDP as a viable opposition force.
No major disruptions or violence were reported across the state, with the process aligning with the party's guidelines for inclusive and democratic elections.
As the PDP advances to subsequent local government and state congresses, the successful ward-level polls signal renewed vigor and a strategic push to challenge the APC's dominance in the oil-rich South-South state.
The exercise, held on September 13, 2025, proceeded peacefully despite the adverse weather, with party faithful turning out in large numbers as early as 7:30 a.m.
Journalists monitoring the process at Oredo Wards I, II, and III in Benin City reported high enthusiasm, with voters casting ballots undeterred by the downpour.
The congresses marked a key step in rebuilding the party's grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who led a monitoring team alongside officials from the party's national headquarters in Abuja, described the turnout as a "pleasant surprise."
"I was jittery at first, not knowing what to expect, but I was moved by the enthusiasm," Aziegbemi said.
He noted that members were "vibrant and very active," electing 17-member executive committees in the wards visited.
Aziegbemi expressed optimism about the PDP's resurgence, stating, "We think PDP is rising, and we believe we will give the APC a run for their money."
The PDP leader attributed the party's momentum to what he called the "abysmal failure of the government at both the federal and state levels," predicting a reclaiming of Edo State in 2027.
Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Tariga Tulagha, also commended the peaceful and unified conduct of members, highlighting the exercise's success as a testament to the party's internal cohesion.
The ward congresses come at a pivotal moment for the PDP in Edo, which has grappled with internal disputes and defections following its loss in the 2024 governorship election to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Party stakeholders view the event as the foundation for mobilizing support and positioning the PDP as a viable opposition force.
No major disruptions or violence were reported across the state, with the process aligning with the party's guidelines for inclusive and democratic elections.
As the PDP advances to subsequent local government and state congresses, the successful ward-level polls signal renewed vigor and a strategic push to challenge the APC's dominance in the oil-rich South-South state.
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