It is very vital oftentimes to discern truth from fallacy and expose attempts to mislead the innocent public especially in a state like ours, where the PDP government has stood truth on its head and embellished falsehood for eight years. Fortunately for us, the ever enlightened people of Edo state, the archaic antics of the sinking PDP government led by the outgoing governor Mr Godwin Obaseki will soon come to an end.
I just read the puerile narrative propagated by my brother, someone who should have been better informed as an Information Commissioner. The man threw caution to the winds and made a futile attempt at discrediting the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
At best his efforts epitomizes a gross misrepresentation of facts and a desperate attempt to twist the narrative for political gain.
Contrary to the unfounded allegations hurled against Senator Okpebholo, his commitment to the welfare and development of Edo State is unwavering. Any suggestion that he intends to prioritize the interests of a select few over the broader populace is not only baseless but also malicious. Senator Okpebholo’s vision for Edo State is anchored on progress, and equitable distribution of resources for the betterment of all citizens: something that is alien to the PDP.
Is it not a case of pot calling kettle black for the PDP to be hawking the notion that the APC is synonymous with godfatherism?. PDP originated godfatherism in 1999 and has since then modified and perfected the venom across the country. In 2024, in Edo, Asue Ighodalo who is not a member of the PDP was imposed as its governorship candidate by his godfather. So the claims about the APC not only lack substance but also disregard the democratic principles upon which the party is founded. The APC stands for transparency, accountability, and good governance, values that are very confusing to the PDP. Senator Okpebholo’s candidacy embodies principles, and his track record speaks volumes about his dedication to serving the people of Edo State selflessly.
Well Edo people are at home with the true nature of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate. No amount of laundry can clean it’s evil spots. It is no longer a secret that the PDP has been plagued by credibility crises since the godfather joined them. The PDP is a party brewed in godfatherism, and so it is marred by corruption, ineptitude, and a blatant disregard for the welfare of the people. So, the attempt to portray the PDP as a viable alternative to the APC in Edo 2024 is not only misleading but also laughable.
Even a blind man knows that the PDP candidate, a carbon copy of his godfather cannot run from his influence. This is patently true and is the reality. Ighodalo knows that his emergence as the PDP candidate reeks of the very godfatherism that his supporters vehemently decry. His candidacy was orchestrated by the godfather himself, Mr Godwin Obaseki, in front and behind the scenes, rendering any claims of independence or grassroots support utterly disingenuous.
Today, relevant PDP stalwarts are defecting to the APC in droves. This is a testament to the dwindling fortunes of the party. The exodus of key figures from the PDP underscores the party’s internal disarray, lack of cohesion and looming implosion. With each passing day, the PDP finds itself increasingly isolated and bereft of credible leadership, making a mockery of its aspirations to remain relevant in the governance of Edo State after November this year.
The suggestion that this same PDP is also capable of steering Edo State towards prosperity is nothing short of delusional. Edo people are discerning enough to recognize hollow promises and empty rhetoric when they see them. The PDP’s legacy of broken pledges, as old as 2016, spurious MOUs, and fiscal mismanagement is fresh and so we have no intention of keeping the state in the dark days of PDP rule.
Edo people want the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who they fondly call Akpakomiza because they trust him and know him as a survivor who can and will do what he says. Trust is at the core of public office. This is one of the strong points the Senator is bringing to the table. They no longer trust the failed PDP. He brings a message of hope for Edo farmers scared of farming by herdsmen, infants who have been dying young, youths who have no jobs and are into cultism, and the elderly who have retired into PDP government instigated poverty. His message is loud: Edo has no business with poverty!
Edo State deserves better, and together, we will ensure that its future remains bright and prosperous under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo and the APC.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Osehobo is the Assistant State Publicity Secretary of the APC
