By DADA AYOKHAI
The newly registered National Democratic Congress ,NDC, led by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, appears to be gaining ground in Etsako Axis of Edo North — a traditional stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Edo State.
The party, widely speculated to be the presidential platform for Mr. Peter Obi with Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate, held a successful national convention in Abuja recently. The event, monitored by INEC, saw the party zone its presidential ticket to the South for four years — a move many believe is aimed at securing Obi’s candidacy.
Following the speculation, Edo State has begun to witness an influx of politicians into the NDC, particularly in the Etsako axis. The area, long considered an APC stronghold, has recorded defections by several prominent political figures.
Among the first to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is Dr. Benjamin Ojietu, immediate past Vice Chairman of Etsako West LGA.
Ojietu served as deputy to Chairman Zibiri Marvelous, whose tenure was terminated following an impeachment later nullified by the court.
A native of Uzairue clan, Ojietu previously served as Supervisory Councillor for Health and later as Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor. He has indicated interest in contesting for the House of Representatives seat on the NDC platform.
Also joining the party is Bawa Mohammed, a key figure in the APC from the Auchi axis of the local government. Mohammed contested the APC House of Representatives ticket in the 2023 primaries but lost. Notably, he won all Auchi delegates’ votes during the exercise — a development widely seen as a sign of strong grassroots support at home.
He has now defected to the NDC, where he hopes to contest an undisclosed office. His move has generated significant reaction in the Auchi community, with many describing it as a step toward political liberation for the area.
In a similar development, Sule Garuba, younger brother of former Edo Assembly Speaker Zakawanu Garuba, has defected from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to the NDC. He is expected to contest the House of Assembly race.
Reports indicate that similar defections are taking place in Etsako Central and Etsako East.
Political analysts say the NDC’s inroad into the Etsako axis could affect Governor Monday Okpebholo’s stated target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the state.
