….Pay tributes to Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Edo people

From Fred Itua, Abuja

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September governorship election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on members and aspirants to unite ahead of the governorship election in September.

Okpebholo in his acceptance speech, paid special tributes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Chairman of the ruling party, Abdullahi Ganduje, APC leader in Edo, Adams Oshiomhole, and Edo people for standing on the side of equity and justice.

Chairman of APC Primary Election Committee in Thursday’s rerun governorship primaries in Edo and Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey, announced the final result of the exercise in Benin after the collation of results from 18 local government areas.

Senator Okpebholo polled 12,433 votes to defeat 11 other aspirants who contested the primary election.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Okpebholo said with his emergence as the flag bearer, APC would reclaim Edo State and reunite it with the government at the federal level.

He said President Tinubu’s insistence on equity, fairness and justice as well as the roles by his fellow senators, especially the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, created a level playing field for him to emerge as candidate of the APC.

He said despite the initial differences, Adams Oshiomhole, remained his leader and would play critical role in securing victory for APC in Edo State.

“Primaries have been won and lost. It is time to begin the real process of saving Edo State from the hands of clueless leaders who have failed to meet the expectations of the people.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in ensuring a level-playing field must is something I treasure. I want to also appreciate the national chairman of the APC and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for standing with the people of Edo State.

“My colleagues in the Senate, especially the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, other aspirants who stepped down for me, APC leaders in Edo State, Edo people who joined in the clamour for a free and fair process, I appreciate you all.

“To my leader, Adams Oshiomhole, I appreciate your guidance over the years. Despite the differences, you remain my leader and I know that you’ll lead the way that will earn us victory in September,” Okpebholo.