Edo leaders unite for Okpebholo’s victory, slam PDP’s “Era of Disappointment”

September 1, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona, Benin

Notable leaders in Edo State have come together to endorse Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, ahead of the September 21 Edo State election.

The leaders, comprising ethnic and youth groups, political parties, former council chairmen, and past political appointees, expressed confidence in Okpebholo’s victory, citing his honesty, humility, and quality leadership.

The leaders described the over seven years of PDP rule as an “era of disappointment and unfulfilled promises,” stating that the party lacks justification and moral standing to continue in office.

‘’Edo is urgently in need of salvation, purposeful leadership and efficient government. Eight years of wasted opportunities are enough. The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a shining example of honesty, humility and quality leadership and will make Edo great, steer the ship of state back to the path of rectitude and progress’’ the leaders said.

They also declared that “it will be a victory for APC in the September 21 Governorship Election.

“The September 21 governorship election is about the future of our state. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond of unity, enhance development and promote good governance. Our support for Senator Monday Okpebholo is total and we are quite confident and ready for the election” the leaders said.

Arising from a meeting in Uromi, the leaders explained that the issue of winning the September 21 election is already a foregone conclusion.

“A vote for APC is a vote for progressive policies, high management capacity and vision for serious challenges besetting the state. It is also a vote for upgrading the state’s infrastructure, creating larger space for small and medium- sized business, investing in education, healthcare, transportation, housing and urban development, upholding the rule of law, improving the living conditions of the needy, protecting our communities and offering more opportunities for our young people”

However, a statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Political Congress (EPC), Dr Joshua Eboigbe said Okpebholo has the personal gravitas and organizational support to take the state to the next level.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo is effective, knowledgeable, consistent and open to dialogue. He will spread employment opportunities across the state, shape our state for the better, ensure economic growth for all and greater transparency in public life and accelerate the social, political and economic development of the state.

The prominent men and women noted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Government in the state is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate.

‘’The PDP lacks the justification and moral standing to continue in office. It has been an era of disappointment and unfulfilled promises’’

The cheerful leaders said the plans to take over the state leadership cannot be deterred by the power of incumbency.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of character and competence, has vision, moral fortitude, zeal, leadership, commitment and love for all. He will invest in farmers, attract local and foreign investors, promote an environment of enduring peace, progress and development, provide meaningful, sustainable and dignified employment to the youth, defuse social conflicts and give a sense of belonging to the various ethnic groups through the enthronement of political and economic justice”.

They said Okpebholo’s quest is to redeem the state.

‘’Now, more than before, Edo State needs quality and focused leadership. Senator Okpebholo will galvanize the people to self-development, energize the economy, and raise the standard of living of the people through adequate inter-village communication such as good road network, electricity, pipe-borne water, recreational facilities. He will also stimulate rural industries and show the necessary leadership by matching words with action through evolving workable development approaches, proper coordination and funding’’. They mentioned