Senator Matthew Urhoghide, the Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Organization, has called on the people of Oredo Local Government Area to ensure that their votes for the party on September 21, 2024, outnumber the votes from other local governments in the state.
Urhoghide made this appeal during the party’s flag-off campaign for the September 21 governorship election in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State, on Monday.
He stated that the APC candidates, Senator Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa, are experienced politicians who have previously won elections, unlike other contestants who are new to the political arena.
According to the APC Campaign Director General, “If you don’t have grassroots support, you shouldn’t contest any election. Our candidates have won their various elections before.”
“We want massive support for them on September 21. Edo North and Central have agreed to vote massively for them, so we expect all of Edo South to follow suit.”
Additionally, the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, promised to create jobs for the people. He also assured that modern farming with mechanized techniques would be introduced and that a peaceful environment would be established, as kidnapping and other vices would be eliminated with the end of the Obaseki-led government.
Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, called on security agencies to intensify their investigations and ensure that all illegal arms in circulation in Edo State are retrieved from unauthorized holders. He alleged that individuals carrying pump-action rifles in the state are not being paid by Obaseki, despite claiming to be government employees.
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“For us to have a free and fair election, the security agencies must do their job, retrieve these arms, and ensure that people are free to come out and vote—one man, one vote on September 21—without being harassed,” he stated.
“Already, we have information that people who went to collect their PVCs in Akoko-Edo, Orhionmwon, and other areas are being harassed by these armed individuals in society.”
Oshiomhole also addressed the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, stating, “It is time for fresh leadership to come in. The state needs innovative and energetic leaders to drive progress.”
“Ogie has been Secretary to the Government for 8 years, was my Chief of Staff, and Commissioner for Works under my 8-year administration. Altogether, he has been in government for 16 years, and Edo is not for one person.”
“I will never use unkind words on him, but as an elder, I advise him to rest. If he insists on continuing, he should consider a federal position. For Edo, younger people who are eager to prove themselves should be given a chance. After 16 years in government and over 60 years of age, with no new ideas, it is time to step aside,” Oshiomhole said.
