Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors, including Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River, and Lucky Oyedatiwa of Ondo, gathered in Edo State to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The final campaign rally took place at the University of Benin Indoors Sports Complex, ahead of the State’s September 21 gubernatorial election.
Addressing party faithful, Vice President Shettima emphasized the need for Edo to have a “strategic thinker” and compassionate leader.
He expressed confidence in the ability of Senator Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, to deliver good governance to the people of the state. Shettima highlighted that intelligence is measured by problem-solving abilities rather than mere rhetoric, urging voters to turn out in large numbers for the APC candidates.
Senate President Akpabio echoed similar sentiments, stressing performance over oratory. He praised Okpebholo’s tenure in the National Assembly, stating that he has consistently met expectations and has what it takes to transform Edo State.
Former Edo State Governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, lambasted the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki for neglecting key infrastructure during his eight-year tenure.
Oshiomhole noted that markets damaged by fire were never rebuilt, while vital public institutions like the state hospital and library were converted into non-essential facilities.
APC National Chairman, Umar Ganduje, also weighed in, blaming the state’s current administration for insecurity and high unemployment.
Ganduje called on Edo voters to elect Okpebholo, stating that his leadership, along with Idahosa’s, would restore the State’s prosperity.
In his address, the governorship candidate, Okpebholo, outlined his ambitious plans for the state, including the recruitment of 5,000 teachers within his first 100 days in office and the establishment of primary healthcare centers across all 192 wards. He also pledged to provide market women with soft loans to support their businesses.
The event was also marked by the return of prominent politicians to the APC. Former Senator Francis Alimikhena and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives, both defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Alimikhena promised to mobilise support for the APC in the upcoming election, while Ogbeide-Ihama criticised the PDP’s internal decisions, particularly regarding its choice of candidates in previous elections.
With high-profile endorsements and key defections, the APC is making a strong final push as Edo State prepares for its next governorship election.
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