According to the report from the Vanguard, A prominent member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Victor Enoghama, emphasized that the ongoing wave of defections within the two major political parties in the state, namely the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), will not ultimately dictate the results of the upcoming September 21 governorship election.
In a statement released by Enoghama on Sunday in Benin City, he raised concerns about the APC's alleged reliance on federal influence to secure victory in the election and their utilization of this power to induce defections.
Enoghama stated, "The dominant political parties, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their hats into the ring. Each party and their candidates are employing every tactic to woo the electorate since democracy is a system of government that is anchored on numbers."
He further highlighted that while the PDP and its candidates are utilizing traditional strategies to garner the majority of votes in September, by actively engaging with the electorate and presenting their agenda to the people, their opponents, particularly the APC, are depending on federal support and the defection of dissatisfied politicians as a means to seize power.
Enoghama expressed confidence that the PDP and its candidates, Dr. Asue Ighodaro and Barr. Osarodion Ogie, will benefit from the commendable performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki to secure significant voter turnout.
He emphasized the positive reputation Governor Obaseki has attained, labeling him as Nigeria's top-performing governor in several forums, with Edo citizens looking forward to a successor who can build on his accomplishments.
He asserted that the PDP candidates possess superior qualities in terms of competence, experience, and credentials, setting them apart from their rivals. Conversely, Enoghama criticized the APC and its candidates for struggling under the weight of negative public sentiment due to the federal government's adverse economic policies. He noted that the APC in Edo State is leaning heavily on "federal might" and the influx of disenchanted PDP members into their camp for support.
Enoghama raised doubts about the APC's understanding of the electorate, highlighting that only 20% of politicians form the political class, while the remaining 80% represent the actual voters who will express their grievances at the polls against the APC's perceived injustices.
Moreover, he questioned the integrity of the defectors, pointing out that individuals defecting from Edo North to Central and South are driven by motives fueled by either greed or a sense of entitlement.