By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo Central has taken a dramatic turn ahead of the forthcoming senatorial election, abandoning its own candidate, Prince Joe Okojie, and declaring open support for his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, Joe Ikpea.
The move, announced in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, has sent shockwaves through the state’s political circles, with senior PDP stakeholders citing what they described as “gross marginalisation” and “a sham selection process” during the party’s primaries.
Leader of the PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Stephen Oriakhi, said the party’s leadership in the state, especially in the district, had been sidelined in the build-up to the primaries.
“The so-called primaries were nothing short of an imposition.”
Oriakhi said: “Critical stakeholders across the five local government areas of Edo Central, including youth and women groups, were ignored. We can not continue to reward such injustice with our loyalty. Joe Ikpea of the APC is on the ground, connected to the people, and more popular across the district. That is where our support will go.”
Oriakhi urged local government, ward, and unit leaders within the PDP to throw their weight behind the APC candidate, stressing that their decision was not about party affiliation but about “restoring dignity to the people of Esanland.”
Echoing this sentiment, Honourable Benjamin Ehilenboadiaye, the current state treasurer of the PDP, two-time PDP chairman in Esan West and two-time senatorial chairman for the district, said the move was a form of protest against those who have hijacked the party’s leadership.
“This is not betrayal; it is resistance,” Ehilebode said. “We are protesting the imposition of an unpopular candidate on Esan people. As grassroots members, we will make our votes count by ensuring mass support for Joe Ikpea. Our loyalty is to the people, not to those who undermine our collective will.”
Similarly, Deacon Emmanuel Ayegbeni, another aggrieved PDP member, placed the blame squarely on former governor Godwin Obaseki and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2024 election, Asue Ighodalo accusing them of hijacking the PDP structure.
“The original PDP members have been abandoned,” Ayegbeni said. “They brought in people who have no commitment to the party’s ideals.
“This is why we are taking a stand, and our stand is clear—we will deliver Joe Ikpea as the next senator for Edo Central.”
Oreye Destiny Ehigiator, the state youth leader, also threw his weight behind the decision, promising to mobilise support for the APC flagbearer.
Political observers note that the mass defection of support from PDP leaders to the APC candidate in Edo Central could significantly alter the dynamics of the senatorial race, making it a walk over for Joe Ikpea.
