By Ogochukwu Isioma
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would secure a massive victory in the upcoming by-elections in the State.
The by-elections include the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
Okpebholo made the declaration while receiving a delegation of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area on Sunday.
The Governor’s speech focused on his administration’s commitment to the people of Edo State and its indigenous roots, which he said is the reason he must do his best for the people.
According to him, “Why are we working for Edo people? We are working for Edo because we are confirmed sons of the soil. We are not foreigners. We were not borrowed from somewhere else.
“My mother is an Esan woman. My father is an Esan man. I grew up there. My deputy, the same Edo. So, if we are from here, we must work for our people.”
He highlighted his Government’s continuous developmental projects as evidence of its dedication, contrasting it with what he described as the “pattern of the immediate-past government” which waited until election periods to roll out projects.
He added, “That is why you see us move from executing one project to another. We do not wait until election period before we roll out projects. We do not believe that we can develop in that manner.”
The Governor also reiterated his confidence in delivering on his promise of 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating, “I can see it coming to reality today.”
He assured the people that his administration’s performance would soon earn their appreciation.
He said: “By the time we are three years old as a Government, I know people will sit down and thank God. You will thank God for giving us the opportunity to serve.”
Addressing the by-election, Governor Okpebholo told the crowd, “In the next few days, I will be coming back here for a campaign to let our people know that the choice for Ovia Federal Constituency is the right choice for the people.”
He also humorously referred to the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, as “Mr. Projects,” and introduced the APC House of Representatives candidate in the 16 August by-election, Omosede Igbinedion as “madam projects”.
Among the prominent defectors welcomed into the APC were Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere, the sitting member representing Ovia North Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly; Hon. Peter Ekhator, a former council chairman; Hon. Uwaifo; Hon. Christopher Igodalo; and their numerous followers.
Other speakers at the event, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, praised Governor Okpebholo’s performance, which they said was the primary reason many were joining the party.
Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Hon. Andrew Uzamere and Hon. Peter Ekhator expressed their happiness and pledged their commitment to working with the APC political family.
The event was well-attended by key party stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; other House of Assembly members; Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Ganiyu Audu; Senator Mathew Urokhide, and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Imasuen.
