Former Edo State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, has declared that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the southern region until 2031 to uphold equity and balance.
Speaking with reporters in Benin City, Igbinedion also pledged his support for any southern presidential candidate from the PDP, stressing his commitment to regional fairness.
He dismissed concerns over defections from the PDP, saying they do not trouble him.
Igbinedion made the remarks after leading a PDP delegation on a condolence visit to the residence of former Senate Chief Whip, Rowland Owie, following the death of his wife, Lady Helen.
Among the delegation were former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, and Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.
Igbinedion said, “Defection is a characteristic of the average Nigerian politician. I foresee the defectors coming back to the PDP or another party”.
“There was a time when PDP had the highest number of governors in Nigeria. It is now the turn of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which will be deflated sooner rather than later. Whether it is going to be PDP or a new party, only God knows.”
The son of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, also described the ex-chief whip of the Senate (Owie) as an ally whom he admired a lot, while stressing that to be married for fifty years was not a joke.
He said, “To lose a life partner can be very saddening. We came to condole with Senator Owie, and wish him continuous God’s strength.”
Aziegbemi, earlier in his speech, stated that he and other leaders of PDP in Edo shared in Owie’s grief, and assured that Lady Helen Owie was in heaven.
