By METROWATCH
The hope you have been waiting for is here, Senator Monday Okpebholo, governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) has told Edo voters.
He made the declaration while addressing a mammoth crowd of party faithful at the University of Benin Sports ground venue of APC’s grand finale rally ahead the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Okpebholo thanked the national leadership of the party for their steadfast support and outlined his vision for a new Edo State.
He promised that the upcoming election would mark a turning point, usher in an era of hope, security, quality education, infrastructure, etc.
He emphasised his vision to support farmers with incentives, make available soft loans to traders, and employ 5,000 new teachers within his first 100 days in office.
Speaking at the rally, Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of Edo.
Shettima emphasised that no candidate is better suited to lead Edo State at “this critical juncture than Sen. Okpebholo.”
He acclaimed Okpebholo as a compassionate and people-focused leader who is capable of uniting everyone and steering the state toward prosperity.
Shettima urged voters to reject leaders who govern with pride and cruelty and seize this opportunity to rewrite the history of the state.
In his speech, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged the Edo voters to remain resolute in their support for Sen. Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
He implored the electorate to reject the backward strategies of the Obaseki administration, which he claimed had impoverished the state.
Akpabio assured that, under APC leadership, more federal government projects would be directed toward Edo, building on the ongoing construction of the Benin-Auchi, which was initiated by Okpebholo.
Also speaking at the occasion, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, energised the crowd as he expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by the people of Edo.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to working in partnership with Edo State on critical issues such as security, infrastructure, and social services.
In a symbolic gesture, Ganduje handed over the party’s flag to Sen. Monday Okpebholo to formerly present him as the APC’s candidate.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo state, took to the stage with a passionate appeal to the people of Edo State.
He decried the dire state of affairs under Obaseki’s administration.
He criticised the neglect of traders, the poor condition of the roads, and the general frustration of the populace.
Oshiomhole attributed the failures of the current government to Obaseki’s partnership with Asue Ighodalo and accused them of exacerbating the suffering of the people through misplaced priorities, and empty promises.
Oshiomhole assured that with Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the “regime of oppression and thuggery” will end.
He urged voters to rally support for Okpebholo to usher a new dawn in Edo State.
Director-General of the Campaign Council, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, extended gratitude to the APC national leadership for their “steady support throughout the campaign” and articulated the central message of the Edo People, which is a call for governance that mirrors the achievements of former Gov. Adams Oshiomhole.
He expressed strong confidence in the solidarity of Edo voters, affirming that the party’s victory was imminent.
Other ranking members of the APC at the rally include state governors, several members of the National Assembly, ministers, and key members of the party’s National Working Committee.
The event depicted the unity and resolve of the APC to bring progressive leadership to Edo State.
The event also marked the public defection of two prominent political figures from the PDP – Sen. Francis Alimikhena and Hon. Ogbeide Ihama, both of whom pledged their full support to the APC’s campaign.
Alimikhena reflected on his brief departure to the PDP, described it as a regrettable experience, and assured the crowd that he and his supporters are now fully committed to securing an APC victory.
Ogbeide-Ihama, in a fiery speech, highlighted the impunity of Obaseki’s administration and vowed to see Obaseki’s dream for Asue Ighodalo end in a fiasco.
© Akpakomiza Media Strikers
