In Edo State, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) braved torrential rains to attend the party’s ward congresses on Saturday, when they elected new delegates and executives for each of the 192 wards in the state.

Journalists who observed the exercise in Benin City’s Oredo Wards I, II, and III reported that it was a well-attended, orderly, and peaceful process, with party members demonstrating their enthusiasm in spite of the bad weather.

Along with members of the Ward Congress Electoral Committee from the PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja, State Caretaker Committee Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi led the monitoring team.

The practice was hailed by Aziegbemi as a powerful illustration of the PDP’s tenacity and increasing momentum in Edo.

“The ward congresses were very peaceful. Members of the PDP were vibrant, very active, and elected the 17-member executives in the wards we attended,” he said.

He admitted he had initial doubts about turnout due to the downpour but said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the dedication of party members, many of whom had arrived at the polling venues as early as 7:30 a.m.

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

The PDP caretaker chairman also expressed confidence that what he described as the “abysmal failure of the government at both the federal and state levels” would boost the party’s chances of reclaiming Edo in the 2027 elections.

Chairman of the PDP Ward Congress Electoral Committee, Mr Tariga Tulagha, applauded the peaceful and lawful conduct of members throughout the exercise.

“We went out to conduct elections for officers and delegates across all wards, and so far, it has been peaceful with full compliance with the law. Despite the rain, people turned out massively, and we are impressed,” he stated.