Ex-Edo PDP Guber Running Mate Denies Defection Rumours
Former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 Edo State election, Barrister Osarodion Ogie, has firmly denied rumours suggesting he is plotting to dump the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ogie, who served as the running mate to PDP candidate Barrister Asue Ighodalo in the 2024 governorship election an election ultimately won by APC’s Governor Monday Okpebholo dismissed the reports circulating on social media as false, malicious, and politically motivated.
In a statement released on Friday by Blessing Agbo, his spokesperson, the former Secretary to the Edo State Government described the rumours as the handiwork of “mischief makers” bent on destabilizing the PDP and tarnishing his political integrity.
“We have been made aware of a misleading post currently circulating on social media, falsely claiming that our respected father and political leader, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This falsehood, shared by one ‘Ohio’, is not only deceitful but riddled with calculated lies and manipulation,” the statement read.
Ogie emphasized that at no point has he contemplated or initiated discussions about rejoining the APC.
According to him, no meeting or consultation took place between him and any APC stakeholder, contrary to what was being alleged.
“Let it be known, clearly and unequivocally, that Barr. Osarodion Ogie, the esteemed running mate to Asue Ighodalo, remains a committed and loyal member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” the statement added.
The statement went further to describe the rumour as a “desperate attempt” by those who, alongside institutions like INEC and the judiciary, allegedly “robbed Edo people of the most visionary and competent team to contest the 2024 gubernatorial election.”
Urging PDP supporters and the general public to disregard the claims, Ogie’s team reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and its ideals.
“We urge the public, supporters, and lovers of democracy to ignore these baseless rumours. Stand firm. Stay focused. The truth will always prevail, and history will vindicate those who stood for it,” the statement concluded.
The rebuttal comes amid heightened political speculation in Edo State as the opposition and ruling parties continue to maneuver ahead of the next electoral cycle.
