Edo poll: Why Obaseki, Ighodalo can’t walk freely on Benin streets – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown down the gauntlet, daring Governor Godwin Obaseki to walk with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, through the streets of Benin City and other areas of Edo State, predicting a hostile reception for the governor.

The APC also called on its members, who are still upset over the outcome of the governorship primaries that selected Senator Monday Okpebholo as the party’s candidate, to unite and work together for the party’s victory. The APC emphasized that a united front is crucial for securing a win in the upcoming election.

Speaking at the inauguration of the local government and ward campaign councils for Oredo Local Government Area, Dennis Idahosa, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC, outlined the party’s vision for the state. He pledged that a new APC government would continue the work of former governor Adams Oshiomhole, particularly in areas such as flood control, public school rebuilding, combating insecurity and cultism, and upholding the traditional institutions.

Idahosa stated, “Adams Oshiomhole has been out of government for eight years now. The current governor is Obaseki, and he has been there for almost eight years. We want Obaseki to take the hands of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and walk around the streets of Benin City and other places in the state. Oshiomhole will take the hand of Okpebholo and do the same thing, and let’s see what will happen. If Obaseki does not wear a helmet, he will come back bleeding because he is completely disconnected from the people.”

Senator Monday Okpebholo, on his part, assured that his administration, if elected, would focus on genuine work for the people of Edo State, avoiding distractions from gossip. He criticized the PDP candidate for a lack of tangible contributions to his local government area, contrasting it with his own achievements.

Senator Matthew Uroghide, Director General of the APC Campaign Council, expressed confidence in the party’s chances of winning the election. He highlighted the ongoing efforts and achievements of the APC candidates, who are current members of the National Assembly, and underscored the political significance of Oredo in Edo South.

In his opening remarks, Osaro Obazee, Director General of the Campaign Council in Oredo, called for unity among party members to secure victory. He urged those still harboring grievances from the primaries to set aside personal interests and focus on the collective goal.

“We are not going to adopt the usual method of campaigning. We have a new strategy, and we will discuss that in our closed-door meeting,” Obazee concluded.

The APC’s challenge and the call for unity set the stage for an intense and strategic campaign period as Edo State gears up for the governorship election.

(Vanguard)