National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has appealed to Edo State Governor elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo to focus on development of the state rather than digging into the stewardship of the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Ganduje gave the admonition on Thursday when Senator Okpebholo paid him a visit at the party national secretariat in Abuja.
Ganduje maintained that priority should be given to the fulfilment of his electoral promises.
He said: “The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side. You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from.
“There is no need. A progressive government does not have time for that. Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced. Follow it to the letter with the socio-economic development of the people, build bridges, and establish good relationships with the stakeholders.
“Think forward and be an action governor. During the campaign, you were an action candidate, and now you are an action governor. We believe it. We believe you will succeed and make the people of our winning state proud.”
Thr APC national chairman also appealed to the Governor’s elect not to abandon the platform that he used to contest the election.
“So, we thank you. The party is ready to assist you in any way. But you must ensure that, from the ward level to the local government level and state level, all party offices are functional and physically habitable.
“We have recently established a progressive institute, the intellectual wing of the party, which will assist in the training of your personnel, especially at the local government level, and help harness the demands of the Nigerian people to form a political agenda for the government.
“So I assure you, this is an institution a living political institution not only active during elections but throughout the year, creating programs and projects that make it a living party.”
Earlier in his remarks, Senator Okpebholo thanked the APC National Working Committee for the moral support given to him during his campaigns. He equally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for walking his talks in ensuring a conducive atmosphere for free, fair elections.
He said: “It wasn’t an easy one. I know how many times the chairman called me.
“He said, ‘How are you prepared? I want to be in Edo five days before the election.’ Yes, he came to the state. He was there, and everybody knew he came, and his impact was great. I also want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. President, who secured Edo for us. There was absolute peace in Edo State. Before now, there was this kind of boast that people would die, but on election day, nobody died. For me, the victory is something we in Edo State rejoice about because a new dawn has come to the Edo people.
“A new dawn has risen. I want to thank the working committee once more for the job well done, and I pray that God gives all of you long life and gives us prosperity. Thank you, and God bless you.”
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