The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has declared that it is regaining ground and will pose a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, gave the assurance on Saturday in Benin City while monitoring the party’s ward congresses to elect executives and delegates across the 192 wards of the state.
Despite a heavy downpour, PDP members trooped out in large numbers to participate in the exercise, a development Aziegbemi described as proof of the party’s resilience and unity.
“I’ll be very honest with you, I was a little bit jittery when I went with the panel to witness some of the wards. I didn’t know what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised with the way the PDP faithful came out in the rain,” he said.
“As early as 7:30 a.m., people were already at the grounds to cast their votes. We think the PDP is rising, and we believe we will give the APC a run for its money.”
Aziegbemi added that the failures of the APC government at both federal and state levels would pave the way for the PDP to reclaim Edo in 2027. He noted that the peaceful and vibrant conduct of the congresses signalled renewed enthusiasm within the party.
The monitored congress in Oredo Wards I, II, and III, was observed to be an orderly process with enthusiastic party members electing 17-member ward executives.
Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Tariga Tulagha, also commended the exercise, stressing that rumours of disunity within the party had been dispelled by the peaceful turnout.
“We went out for the purpose of conducting the elections for officers and delegates across all wards. So far, the exercise has been peaceful.
“There was no trouble, and there was full compliance with the provisions of the law. Despite the rain, people came out in their numbers, and we were impressed,” Tulagha said.
According to him, the outcome reflected a “unity of purpose” that positions the PDP as a formidable force ahead of the next election cycle.
