By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
BENIN—EDO State chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, has alleged the introduction of ethnic politics in the governorship election in the state, saying that the situation would not be in the interest of peace and stability of the polity.
Chief Orbih spoke at Iguobazuwa, Ovia South- West Local Government Area of the state, weekend, where over 1, 500 Action Congress of Nigeria members and others defected to the PDP.
He said, "the important thing about this election is that it will define the stand of the Bini man in Edo politics. It is not about our candidate, but the people. For the first time in the politics of this state, they have introduced ethnic politics to the governorship election.
"It started from Edo North, where the Otaru of Auchi had boldly said that the position they want is not the deputy governor but the number one position. I have never seen how a man sitting by the corner will claim to be at the centre in order to claim what belongs to others."
Calling on PDP faithful to vote for Gen Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), in the July 14, governorship election, Chief Orbih, who welcomed the new members for their boldness and courage, described the occasion as momentous.
He assured them that a PDP-led government in November would provide equal development to all parts of the state, assuring that they would not regret their decision to join the PDP.
"It is also unique that what we are doing today is happening not in Esan (Edo Central) and not in Edo North, but in Edo South, where for the first time, myself and the governor to-be (Charles Airhiavbere) are jointly welcoming new members into our party."
...eyes Abulagba, Akhabue for deputy gov position
By SIMON EBEGBULEM BENIN — Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State has zeroed down on the former House of Representatives member from Owan West, Edo North senatorial district, Mr. Johnson Abulagba and a former council chairman in Esan Central, Joe Akhabue, as possible running mates to its governorship candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere.
Meanwhile, over one thousand members of the PDP in the state, weekend dumped the party for Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in Etsako Central Local Government Area. The former members of the PDP, drawn from the two wards of Iraokhor (Ward 5) and Fugar (Ward 3), were received by Governor Adams Oshiomhole and other party elders and leaders from the council.
There has been disagreement as to who becomes the running mate to Airhiavbere after some governorship aspirants who withdrew from the race felt betrayed that they were not given the opportunity as promised earlier by the leaders of the party. However, if the party decides to zone the ticket to Edo North, as it appears, the current Vice-Chairman of the party in Edo North, Abulagba is favoured to grab it.
Vanguard Nigeria