Despite the ban on political rallies by the government of Edo state, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2016 election, held a defection rally at his Benin residence on Friday.
Citing the high level of tension in the state, the administration of Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, directed that political rallies should be put on hold.
In a statement, Osarodion Ogie, secretary to the state government, said security agencies had been directed to deal with anyone who breached the directive.
He added that anyone who allows his property for political rallies would have his certificate of occupancy revoked and forfeited to the state government.
But Ize-Iyamu hosted a mammoth crowd at his residence on Friday. He also announced that he had joined the ruling party.
“For those who are in doubt, the moment I made up my mind to join the APC, I went to my ward and I am proud to say I have registered in Ugboko ward in Orhionmwon local government area,” he told the cheering crowd.
“By the grace of God, APC will grow from strength to strength. We want to extend hand of peace. We are not here (APC) to fight anyone. We have come to be your friends. If we are their enemies, we want to extend the hand of peace, we are not your enemy, we have not come to fight anybody. Even if you slap us, we will turn the other cheek.
“We have not come to fight ..we have come to be your brothers; we have come to be your friends. And we beg you in the name of God to let peace reign. If there is peace in Edo, there will be development. If there is development, the government will do well and if the government does well, APC will do well.”
There are reports that Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the APC, is backing Ize-Iyamu to clinch the ruling party’s ticket for the 2020 gubernatorial race.
Among the loyalists of Oshiomhole who attended the rally are Patrick Obahiagbon, former secretary to the government of Edo state, Pally Iriase, a former member of the house of representatives; and Pius Odubu, former deputy governor of Edo.
Oshiomhole was absent at the event.