- The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the APC’s campaign, with a focus on unity, development, and security.
- The party’s candidates and leaders emphasized their commitment to taking back the state and restoring its glory.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
The campaign kick-off ceremony was marked by the inauguration of the National Campaign Council, led by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State.
The event also saw a significant number of defectors from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, led by the embattled deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
In his address, the APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, welcomed the defectors and expressed confidence that the party had already secured 50% of the state’s support, given Shaibu’s position as a serving deputy governor.
Ganduje also announced plans for a grand rally in Benin, which would be attended by President Bola Tinubu.
The APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, were presented as the party’s flag bearers, with Ganduje emphasizing their credentials and plans for the state’s development.
Okpebholo promised to unite the people of Edo State, restore infrastructure, security, and the educational system, and revive the traditional institution.
The ceremony also featured an address by the immediate past governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who criticized the current government’s failure to sustain his administration’s development legacy.
Oshiomhole called for an investigation into recent political violence in the state and the disbandment of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).
The event concluded with Shaibu leading members of the PDP Legacy Group in defecting to the APC, pledging to add value to the party and work towards taking back the state.
The ceremony was marked by applause and enthusiasm from party supporters, setting the stage for the APC’s campaign in the lead-up to the governorship election.
In his remarks, Oshiomhole emphasized the importance of defending the integrity of the police uniform and producing the killers of the police officer shot during the recent fracas.
He also promised to raise the issue in the Senate, stressing that the investigation into the killing of his private secretary in a similar manner when he was governor was mishandled.
Okpebholo and Idahosa were presented as the party’s candidates, with a focus on their plans to develop Edo State and connect it to the center.
The APC National Chairman urged voters to support them, highlighting their credentials and experience.
Additionally, Shaibu expressed his commitment to adding value to the APC and working towards taking back the state.
He acknowledged Senator Oshiomhole as “My father,” which drew applause from party supporters.
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