Former Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the September 21, 2024, Edo State gubernatorial election, Osarodion Ogie on Friday stated unequivocally that he remained a committed and loyal member of the party, stressing that there was never a time he entertained the idea of leaving the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ogie denied holding any meeting or discussion whatsoever with top APC stakeholders of his intention to join the ruling party.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Ogie, who shared a ticket with Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governorship flagbearer of the party in the just decided election, was reacting to a report trending on social media to the effect that he had defected to the APC.
Dismissing the report as the handiwork of mischief makers in a statement on his behalf by Blessing Agbo, the former secretary to the state government said the “baseless rumour” should be disregarded.
He described the report as a desperate attempt by the same elements who he claimed, “alongside INEC and the judiciary, robbed Edo people of the most visionary and competent team to contest the 2024 gubernatorial election”.
According to Agbo, “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.
“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).
“At no point has he considered, initiated, or even entertained the idea of defecting to the APC. Any report suggesting otherwise should be disregarded in their entirety.
“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”.