With just five months remaining until the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, the Legacy Group faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has voiced its demand for the reversal of the appointment of Godwin Omobayo as the new deputy governor.
Led by Dan Orbih, the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South Zone, the Legacy Group made its demand during the Edo Central PDP Leaders and Stakeholders Meeting held in Irrua, the administrative headquarters of Esan Central Local Government Area.
Orbih stated that the reversal of Omobayo’s appointment would be a prerequisite for the group’s support for the party in the upcoming election. He emphasized that failure to address their grievances could lead to the group working against the PDP during the election.
The faction expressed dissatisfaction with Omobayo’s appointment, citing his previous affiliation with the Labour Party rather than the PDP. Orbih stressed that the people of Edo State had voted for a PDP member as deputy governor and called for adherence to the party’s principles.
Furthermore, Orbih urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to promptly address the concerns of the Legacy Group to ensure party unity ahead of the election. He criticized the performance of the Obaseki-led government, alleging unfulfilled campaign promises and a lack of progress for the state.
Orbih emphasized that the focus should be on the future of Edo State rather than party affiliations. He commended efforts by the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to advocate for repairs on the Benin-Auchi Road.
Philip Shaibu, the immediate past deputy governor, echoed the sentiments of the Legacy Group, stating that the PDP candidate was not acceptable to the party due to not being a “home boy.”
Ogbeide Ihama, former House of Representative member for Oredo Federal Constituency, emphasized that the Legacy PDP would not support a candidate imported from Lagos to govern Edo State.
The meeting aimed to convey a clear message to the PDP leadership, urging them to rectify perceived injustices against legacy members or face resistance from the faction.