Aziegbemi Rallies Loyalists, Blames APC for PDP Defections

By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City

Factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, has condemned the recent wave of defections by party leaders and members—including serving Governors, Senators, and Representatives—to the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of coercion and manipulation.

Aziegbemi made the remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin City, which was attended by prominent party chieftains including the PDP governorship candidate in the last election, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, his running mate Osarodion Ogie, BOT member, Chief Tom Ikimi, former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, Senator Odion Ugbesia, and Rep. Marcus Onobun.

Addressing the gathering, Aziegbemi described the attendees as “the true owners and leaders of the PDP” in the state, brushing aside reports of disunity. “We are one united family despite what social media posts are trying to portray,” he declared.

He said the APC stand accused of engineering the defections through “threats, blackmail, and the misuse of state resources,” calling it a wrong strategy aimed at weakening the PDP. “I think it is a very wrong strategy by the APC to take strong men from the PDP by force and manipulation,” Aziegbemi asserted.

Despite acknowledging the internal challenges facing the PDP, he remained optimistic about the party’s prospects, insisting that the future was still bright. “What we want is our mandate back. That is what concerns us. That is what we all pray for,” he said, in reference to Ighodalo’s contested defeat in the September governorship election.

Comparing the party to a leaking house, he said, “Nobody leaves his house when the roof is leaking. You stay and fix it. That’s when you know who your true brothers are—during a crisis.”

Reaffirming the commitment of the party faithful, he said, “We are not remnants of the PDP in Edo State; we are the majority. We own the structure and we are very united.”

He lauded Ighodalo’s leadership, saying the PDP in Edo State is behind him because “he has integrity, capacity, and the vision to bring happiness and prosperity to the people of Edo.”