It was a sea of heads as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State held its grand finale governorship campaign rally on Saturday in Benin City, ahead of next week’s election.
The event, held at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, saw a massive turnout of dignitaries, including Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and governors from Lagos, Nasarawa, Cross River, Jigawa, Kogi, Imo, Ondo, and Cross River states.
Other notable figures included Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State Hon. Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Samson Osagie, Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs Hon. Abubakar Momoh, Hon. Clem Agba, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, Hon. Johnson Ehiozuwa Aigbonayonma, and Hon. Pius Odubu.
The rally also marked the formal defection of two-time Federal House of Representatives member and PDP governorship aspirant Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, and former senator representing Edo North District, Senator Francis Alimikhena.
Additionally, the Governorship Candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Prince Tom Isidore Okojie, and Labour Party (LP) Organising Secretary in Edo, Mr. Orobo Henry, were present.
Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the people of Edo to reject the PDP candidate and vote for the APC. He highlighted the need for a strategist and developmental expert like Senator Monday Okpebholo, APC’s governorship candidate, to lead the state.
Shettima emphasized that intelligence is not defined by the size of one’s head but by one’s ability to solve problems. He expressed confidence in Okpebholo and his running mate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, asserting that they would bring Edo State to the forefront of Nigerian politics.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the senate has approved N212 million for the reconstruction of the Benin-Auchi Expressway, following a motion moved by Okpebholo and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He urged the electorate to support Okpebholo, citing his positive impact on people’s lives.
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Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Chairman of the National Campaign Council for the Edo election and Governor of Cross River State, emphasized the need for change in governance. He praised Okpebholo for his leadership qualities and urged Edo people to vote for him to restore the state’s former glory.
Former Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration for its insensitivity to the people’s plight. He cited the destruction of markets like Oba and Ekiosa without subsequent rebuilding and alleged that Obaseki’s policies had compromised the state’s future.
Senator Matthew Urhonigbe, Director General of the APC governorship campaign council, commended the large turnout, which he said reflected the people’s acceptance of the APC candidate. He expressed confidence in returning the state to a developmental trajectory.
State Acting Chairman of the APC, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, criticized the current administration for dividing the state and causing widespread dissatisfaction.
Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, promised to deliver good governance, including improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, and support for farmers and market women through cooperative societies. He also pledged to declare a state of emergency on roads and insecurity if elected.
Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama, Senator Alimikhena, Mr. Orobo, and Okojie, in their remarks, expressed their decision to join the APC to add value to the party. Ogbeide-Ihama promised to work to ensure a victory for the APC in Governor Obaseki’s Oredo Local Government Area.
