Members of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Legacy Group, a faction loyal to the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, and the Senator Representing Edo South Senatorial District, Sen Matthew Urhoghide, were nowhere to be found at the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar’s Campaign Rally yesterday in Benin City.

This is a major statement by aggrieved party members.

Similarly, the Governor of Rivers State, Barr Nysome Wike and his Oyo, Benue Abia, Enugu counterparts were conspicuously absent from the rally. It was a repeat of their decision to stay away from the rallies of the party in Uyo and Kaduna.

The development, according to political observers in the state may affect the party’s chances at the general elections.

Notable amongst the PDP legacy members that were not at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the PDP Presidential Rally, are Chief Dan Orbih, Edo State PDP Vice Chairman, Barr Henry Omagbon, House of Representatives member, representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Engr Ogbeide-Ihama, Mr Pascal Ugbome, Barr Lucy Omagbon, Engr Mike Onolemenmen, Larry Okunbor and Ogieva Okunbor.

The group was also not at the inauguration of the Edo state Campaign Council on Friday, October 20, 2022, where the Governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, who is the Chairman of the Edo Campaign Council assured that the state was ready to deliver votes for the PDP in 2023 General Elections.

Obaseki has announced the suspension of governance in Edo in order to deliver victory for the PDP.

Security was beefed up in and around the stadium following the threat by some persons to disrupt activities of the party.

Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq., in a statement on Friday said, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the ploy by a group of unscrupulous individuals planning to disrupt the presidential campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party, scheduled to hold in the state, tomorrow, Saturday, October 22, 2022."

Addressing supporters of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, promised to fulfil his promises to Nigerians if elected into office, promising to give security and economy priority.

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