BENIN CITY — Former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, has declared his support for a southern candidate in the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing the need for equity and fairness in Nigeria’s leadership rotation.
Speaking on Tuesday during a condolence visit to Senator Rowland Owie over the passing of his wife, Lady Helen Owie, Igbinedion said he remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and would back any presidential hopeful from the South under the party’s platform.
“I have always been in the PDP since 1998, and I’m not contemplating leaving. But I believe in equity, and that means it’s the turn of a southerner to be president in 2027,” he said. “After that, in 2031, it will be the turn of the North, and I will again assess who is best suited for the job.”
The former two-term governor also weighed in on the wave of defections from the PDP, downplaying concerns and describing political realignment as a typical trait of Nigerian politicians.
“I don’t worry much about defections. Politicians swing from one side to another. Some who left will come back. The PDP once held the most governorship seats in the country. Today it’s APC. Tomorrow, that may change—whether to PDP or a new party, only God knows,” he said.
Igbinedion was accompanied by PDP leaders including Edo State caretaker chairman, Tony Aziegbemi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi; and former Commissioner for Agriculture, Stephen Idehenre.
During the visit, Aziegbemi consoled Senator Owie, noting that Lady Helen’s 71 years of life should be seen as a divine blessing. “There’s no perfect time to die, but the Bible tells us 70 years is a fulfilled life,” he said.
In his response, Senator Owie described his late wife as a transformative presence in his life. “She came into my life 51 years ago and made me a better man. A good home makes a man eager to go home, and that’s what she gave me,” he said.
Lady Helen Owie passed away on April 9, 2025, in Abuja after a brief illness.
Comments