By OBSERVERS TIMES .
Former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, has declared his commitment to supporting a presidential candidate from the Southern region of Nigeria in the 2027 general elections.
Igbinedion made this statement on Tuesday, following a condolence visit with Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to former Senate Chief Whip, Sir Rowland Owie, whose wife, Lady Helen Owie, recently passed away.
Addressing the issue of political defections, Igbinedion expressed a pragmatic view, stating, “I don’t worry so much about the defections because I know Nigerian politicians, they swing from one side to the other. If anything happens tomorrow, those people that defected, you will see them coming back to the PDP.” He further predicted that the current ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), would eventually lose its dominance, echoing the cyclical nature of Nigerian politics.
Regarding the 2027 presidential race, Igbinedion affirmed his loyalty to the PDP, while emphasizing his belief in regional equity. “I have always been in the PDP since 1998 and I am not contemplating leaving PDP, but I believe in equity and that means it is the turn of a southerner to be president,” he stated. “If any other southerner comes tomorrow from the PDP, of course I will support the southerner. After that in 2031, it will be the turn of the North, I will also look at the possible candidate for that job.”
The delegation’s visit to Senator Owie was to offer condolences for the loss of his wife, Lady Helen Owie, who passed away on April 9, 2025, at the age of 71. Igbinedion praised Senator Owie’s long and fulfilling marriage, expressing admiration for his strength during this difficult time.
Aziegbemi, speaking on behalf of the delegation, offered words of comfort and spiritual solace to Senator Owie. Senator Owie, in response, shared fond memories of his 51-year marriage and acknowledged his late wife’s positive influence on his life.
The delegation included notable figures such as former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, and former Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Stephen Idehenre.
