The Legacy Group of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by the National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, has praised the efforts of the Edo State All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Sen Monday Okpebholo, for facilitating federal government rehabilitation work on the Benin-Auchi-Okenne road.
However, they expressed their willingness to support the PDP in the upcoming governorship election only if Governor Godwin Obaseki demonstrates tangible development for the people and the state.
The group, feeling neglected by Obaseki after playing a crucial role in securing his 2020 re-election, voiced their grievances during their meeting in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area. Similar meetings were held in Edo South and Edo North.
Present at the meeting were Orbih, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Frank Okiye, former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Felix Akhabue, former governorship aspirant, Hon. Omoregoe Ogbeide-Ihama, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, and former Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Hon. Jude Imagwe, among others.
Orbih criticized the state of the PDP in Edo state and the performance of the government under Godwin Obaseki, stating that the government had failed to deliver on its promises. He mentioned that despite his efforts to persuade Obaseki to initiate rehabilitation work on the road, no progress had been made.
He stated, “With all that is before us today, it is not about PDP, APC, or Labour party. What is before us is the future of Edo State. Whoever will address the problem of our people and give our people a strong sense of belonging is the person we are going to vote for. Let us pray to God to give us the wisdom and direction we must go. We cannot be fooled the second time. If they can treat you the way they treated you, imagine what it will be if we have to allow them to continue. I can see pain and anger in the face of the people.”
Akhabue, the group leader in Edo Central, emphasized that despite their significant contributions to Obaseki’s victory in the 2020 governorship election, the PDP Legacy group was sidelined in both the 2023 and 2024 elections.
He declared that the purpose of the meeting was to send a clear message to the leadership of the PDP in Edo State, the National Working Committee, and the NEC of the party: correct the unfair treatment of legacy members in Edo State or face resistance from them.
