Edo 2020: Opposition parties endorse Obaseki

A coalition of some registered political parties, under the aegis of Coalition of Political Parties (CPP), in Edo on Friday endorsed the re-election of the governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for another four years.

The Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), and CPP in the state, Collins Oreruan, told journalists at a news conference in Benin that the political parties had collapsed their structures to massively support the governor’s re-election bid.

Mr Oreruan said, “We resolved that instead of acting as individual entities, it will be more effective to support the governor as a block with our existing party structures across the state.

“We also advise our governorship candidates of our respective parties to withdraw their aspirations and join hands with the governor to consolidate on the growth, developmental legacies and foundation he has laid in his first tenure.

“We shall work in synergy with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to mobilise voters at the grassroots for the re-election of the governor.

“We have seen his positive economic development, positive industrial revolution, positive comprehensive qualitative educational programmes and positive agricultural value chains, among others,” he said.

Mr Oreruan noted that under the Obaseki-led administration, the state had witnessed a peaceful atmosphere for businesses and industrial growth.

He added that many employment opportunities had been created for the youth under the Obaseki’s administration

The CPP chairman said the governor’s educational and agricultural revolution in the state has attracted commendations from national and international communities.

Mr Oreruan said the CPP’s support for Mr Obaseki was total and that the coalition would campaign for the governor across the length and breadth of the state.

He said, “Our support for Obaseki is total, cohesive, progressive and focused on better life for the people of the state.

The CPP chairman listed some of the political parties to include Social Democratic party, SDP), United Peoples Party (UPP), Kowa Party, Accord Party, Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Party (ADP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

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Also speaking, the PDP deputy state chairman, Harrison Omagbon, thanked the members of the CPP for the support and endorsement of the party’s candidate.

Mr Omagbon said, “this is a marriage of convenience to ensure victory for our governorship candidate.

“PDP chose Obaseki because of his developmental strides in the state and his viability. We are convinced he will do more in his second tenure.

The Chairman of United Peoples Party (UPP), Kennedy Odion, who also spoke during the briefing, said the development strides of the governor informed the parties’ decision to collapse structures to ensure Mr Obaseki’s re-election come September.