Edo Politics Heats Up As PDP Holds Ward Congresses Ahead Of 2027 Showdown

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Saturday braved a heavy downpour to participate in the party’s ward congresses, where new executives and delegates were elected across all 192 wards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At Oredo Wards I, II, and III in Benin City—where journalists monitored proceedings—the exercise was marked by enthusiasm, orderliness, and a massive turnout, as loyal party members endured the rains to cast their votes.

Leading the monitoring team, the State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, alongside officials of the Ward Congress Electoral Committee from the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, described the congresses as a demonstration of the party’s resilience.

“The ward congresses were very peaceful. PDP members were vibrant, energetic, and elected the 17-member executives in the wards we attended,” Aziegbemi said, according to Channels Television.

He admitted that he had initially been uncertain about the level of participation but was “pleasantly surprised” by the dedication of members.

“I was jittery at first, not knowing what to expect, but I was moved by the enthusiasm. PDP is rising, and we believe we will give the APC a run for their money,” he declared.

Aziegbemi further argued that the “abysmal failure of government at both the federal and state levels” would pave the way for the PDP to reclaim Edo in 2027.

The Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Tariga Tulagha, also praised the peaceful and law-abiding conduct of members across the state.

“We went out to conduct elections for officers and delegates in all wards, and so far, it has been peaceful with full compliance with the law. Despite the rain, the turnout was massive, and we are impressed,” Tulagha said.

He dismissed reports of internal divisions in the PDP, insisting that the voting pattern reflected unity.

“We saw a unity of purpose. If there were factions, it would have been obvious in the process. But when motions were raised, the ‘ayes’ were 100 percent and the ‘nays’ were zero. Clearly, there is no faction here,” he explained.

The ward congresses come at a crucial moment for the PDP in Edo State, which has grappled with internal disputes and defections since the 2020 governorship election.

With the 2027 elections approaching, party leaders say the exercise marks the first step in rebuilding structures, energising the grassroots, and positioning the PDP as a strong alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).