Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, on Saturday, turned out in large numbers to participate in the party’s ward congresses, braving heavy rainfall to elect new executives and delegates across the state’s 192 wards.
At Oredo Wards I, II, and III in Benin City, where journalists monitored the exercise, the process was described as peaceful, orderly, and well attended, with party faithful showing enthusiasm despite the weather.
Leading the monitoring team, State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, was accompanied by officials of the Ward Congress Electoral Committee from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Aziegbemi praised the exercise as a strong demonstration of the PDP’s resilience and growing momentum in Edo.
“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,” he said.
He admitted he had initial doubts about turnout due to the downpour but said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the dedication of party members, many of whom had arrived at the polling venues as early as 7:30 a.m.
“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,” Aziegbemi added.
The PDP caretaker chairman also expressed confidence that what he described as the “abysmal failure of the government at both the federal and state levels” would boost the party’s chances of reclaiming Edo in the 2027 elections.
Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Mr Tariga Tulagha, applauded the peaceful and lawful conduct of members throughout the exercise.
“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,” he stated.