As Edo State prepares for its gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its grand rally in Benin City on Saturday, assuring the people of the State of greater development.
The event, serving as the final major push before the September 21st election, drew an impressive crowd of supporters and saw the presence of prominent APC figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Several APC governors, including the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and other high-ranking officials converged on Edo to demonstrate unity and support for the party’s governorship candidate and his running mate.
Othe governors present included
Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Usman Ododo of Kogi.
They all rallied the party faithful, urging them to secure victory for the APC on election day.
Vice President Shettima, in his address, expressed confidence in the APC candidate, highlighting his strong connection to the grassroots and his deep understanding of governance.
“Edo needs a compassionate leader, someone who will listen to the people and address their needs. A great leader is one who inspires progress,” Shettima stated.
He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s best wishes, assuring the crowd of the president’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Edo.
Shettima emphasized the importance of peace during the election, urging Edo citizens to exercise their mandate by bringing the state into the mainstream of Nigerian politics under APC leadership.
He also noted the president’s efforts to improve state allocations and promote development nationwide, encouraging Edo residents to vote for progress and stability.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also addressed the rally, stating that Edo is ready to take the right path with the APC.
The state’s APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, promised to deliver quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure if elected. He pledged to empower farmers, market women, and youth, and vowed to employ over 5,000 teachers within his first 100 days in office.
“The hope you’ve been searching for is here. On September 21st, vote for change,” Okpebholo urged.
The Director General of the Edo APC Campaign Council, Matthew Urhoghide, criticized the current PDP administration for its failures over the past eight years. He described the large turnout at the rally as evidence of the people’s desire for change and urged them to vote for the APC on election day.
The National Campaign Council Chairman, Bassey Otu, echoed the call for change, stating that only those who understand Edo’s problems can provide the solutions. He encouraged voters to stand firm with their mandate and ensure APC’s victory.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole also addressed the crowd, drawing attention to the deteriorating conditions in Edo’s markets and the prevalence of flooding in the state. He assured the people that the APC candidate would rescue the state from mismanagement and restore Edo’s fortunes.
In his closing remarks, APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed confidence in the party’s victory, calling the rally’s massive turnout a sign of impending success. He stressed that development, modern infrastructure, and prosperity could only be achieved through the election of Okpebholo as governor.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 14, 2024.