Edo: APC leaders resolve disagreements, set for electoral victory

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, yesterday, at a meeting in Benin, affirmed that they have put behind all the disagreements that arose before and during the governorship primary of the party, assuring the party is now more united than ever before.

The meeting held at the Benin residence of a former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, was attended by selected leaders from the three senatorial districts of the state.

Oshiomhole expressed delight over the prevailing unity of purpose among all leaders of the party, emphasising the need for the leaders to close ranks and work harmoniously.

“We have renewed our collective resolve to work for the peace progress and sustainable development of Edo State, that is what this election is about, the two candidates (governorship candidate and his running mate) are already fully employed so they are not going to the election because they are looking for job, they are elected, they already command respect with those elected a year ago, they now just want to expand so that the Edo communities across the Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North will have a governor that share their aspiration.

“The good thing about the APC candidates is that they are products of the ballot boxes, transparent election under BIVAS. Monday Okpebholo emerged in Edo Central and Dennis Idahosa emerged in parts of Edo South. So, they are not strangers to the ballot and the good news to us is that they are going to contest the election with people who have gone through ballot boxes before.”

Former deputy governor and the leader of the party in Edo Central, Pius Odubu, said: “I am convinced a new awareness is going to be born, the awareness that in Edo South, we are tired of being referred to as the weakest link and with this, I know and I believe Edo South is going to deliver. Go and jubilate that Okpebholo and Idahosa will give us victory in the election. Edo South is APC, we did it for Oshiomhole, we will do it for Okpebholo.”

Also, the leader of the party in Edo Central, Cecil Esekhaigbe, said: “The Esan people have been yearning for a period like this, the Esan people have canvassed for an experiment like this, the Esan people have prayed fervently for a day like this, I want to thank everybody from the nooks and crannies of Edo State that what we wished as an Esan agenda has translated into Edo agenda.”