BENIN: Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has expressed strong confidence that the All Progressives Congress APC is poised for a decisive victory in the forthcoming bye-elections in the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua disclosed this in a statement issued Monday in Benin.
According to him, the governor made the declaration on Sunday while formally receiving a significant number of defectors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP at Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Governor Okpebholo’s address underscored his administration’s deep commitment to the people of Edo State, attributing this dedication to his indigenous roots.
“Why are we working for Edo people? We are working for Edo because we are confirmed sons of the soil. We are not foreigners. We were not borrowed from somewhere else,” he stated.
He further emphasized his local ties, saying; “My mother is an Esan woman. My father is an Esan man. I grew up there. My deputy, the same Edo. So, if we are from here, we must work for our people.”
Gov. Okpebholo spoke of his administration’s continuous developmental projects as proof of its dedication, drawing a contrast with what he described as the “pattern of the immediate-past government” that typically awaited election periods to initiate projects.
“That is why you see us move from executing one project to another. We do not wait until election period before we roll out projects. We do not believe that we can develop in that manner”, he stated.
The Governor also reiterated his assurance of delivering on his pledge of 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu, stating, “I can see it coming to reality today.”
He conveyed his belief that his administration’s performance would soon garner widespread appreciation from the populace.
“By the time we are three years old as a Government, I know people will sit down and thank God. You will thank God for giving us the opportunity to serve”, he stated.
Addressing the forthcoming bye-election, Governor Okpebholo informed the gathered crowd, “In the next few days, I will be coming back here for a campaign to let our people know that the choice for Ovia Federal Constituency is the right choice for the people.”
He also humorously referred to his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, as “Mr. Projects,” and introduced the House of Representatives candidate for the August 16 by-election as “madam projects.”
Among the prominent PDP defectors welcomed into the APC ranks were Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere, the incumbent member representing Ovia North Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly; Hon. Peter Ekhator, a former council chairman; Hon. Uwaifo; Hon. Christopher Igodalo; and their numerous supporters.
Other speakers at the event, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, lauded Governor Okpebholo’s performance, attributing the wave of new party members to his administration’s achievements.
Speaking on behalf of the new APC members, Hon. Andrew Uzamere and Hon. Peter Ekhator expressed their satisfaction and committed to working diligently with the APC political family.
The event saw a robust attendance of key party stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; other House of Assembly members; Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Ganiyu Audu; Senator Mathew Uroghide, and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Imasuen.
