Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other prominent figures, including Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River, and Lucky Oyedatiwa of Ondo, joined the final campaign rally for the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Edo State.
Speaking at the event held at the University of Benin Indoors Sports Complex, Vice President Shettima emphasized the need for a leader in Edo State who is a strategic thinker and a compassionate builder. He expressed his belief that Senator Monday Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, have the capability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. Shettima urged Edo residents to turn out in large numbers to support the APC candidates in the upcoming election.
Senate President Akpabio echoed this sentiment, highlighting Okpebholo’s track record in the National Assembly as evidence of his competence. He stressed the need for a leader who can perform rather than merely speak eloquently.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, criticized current Governor Godwin Obaseki for his perceived insensitivity to the state’s issues during his tenure. He cited the governor’s failure to rebuild burnt markets and the conversion of the state library into a shopping mall as examples of this mismanagement.
APC National Chairman Umar Ganduje also criticized the past eight years of governance in Edo State, calling for change and expressing confidence in the leadership of Okpebholo and Idahosa.
Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC gubernatorial candidate, promised to employ 5,000 teachers within his first 100 days in office and offer soft loans to market women to support their businesses. He also pledged to build primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 192 wards.
In a significant boost for the APC, former Senator Francis Alimikhena and former Oredo federal constituency member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. They criticized the PDP’s past decisions, particularly the choice of Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging voters to support the APC for a better future
