… as Oshiomhole congratulates Sen. Okpebholo
President Bola Tinubu has presented the All Progressives Congress, APC, flag to the standard bearer in the September 21 Edo State gubernatorial election, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa at the state house.
While presenting the party flag, the President expressed optimism of APC’s victory in the election.
The President who appreciated the state leadership of the party for their role in resolving the internal crisis leading to the emergence of the candidate and his running mate, believes the coast is now clear for his party to take over the leadership of the state in the coming election.
The primary election through which Okpebholo emerged as a candidate has been mired in controversy.
Recall that Idahosa was first declared the party’s nominee by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led committee.
The first round of voting saw the trio of Okpebholo, Idahosa, and Dekeri lay claim to the party’s governorship ticket.
Consequently, the party’s National Working Committee declared the exercise inconclusive owing to several irregularities.
Okpebholo eventually secured victory with 12,433 votes in the February 23 re-run.
Meanwhile, former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North senatorial district Adams Oshiomole, on Monday, congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on his emergence as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
His congratulatory message came one month after his alleged anointed candidate, Dennis Idahosa, lost to Okpebholo in the February 22 APC primary election.
But barely 24 hours after Idahosa was selected as a running mate, Oshiomhole released a press statement through his senior aide, Victor Oshioke, in Abuja congratulating Okpebholo for emerging as the party’s governorship flag bearer in Edo State.
Oshiomhole urged Okpebholo to set aside his differences and the intrigues of the primaries by extending a hand of fellowship to his co-contestants and aggrieved stakeholders of the party in the state.
The statement reads, “Dear Senator Monday Okpebholo, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved emergence as the flag bearer of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress, for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.
“Your victory in the closely contested primaries reflects the belief of our party members in your unwavering dedication and commitment to our party’s core values.
“As we embark on this crucial journey, I urge you to leave behind the intrigues of the primaries and extend a hand of fellowship to all those who contested with you for the ticket, as well as to all stakeholders of our party in the state.
“Together, we must forge a strong, united front that resonates with the electorate and secures victory in the governorship election on September 21, 2024.
“Your decision to choose Hon. Dennis Idahosa, as your running mate, demonstrates great wisdom and foresight. Your joint ticket presents the people of Edo State with the best option to usher in a dynamic, progressive, and responsive government that aligns with the aspirations of our vibrant youth population.
“I am confident in your leadership abilities and believe that, with the support of all APC members across the state, we can restore Edo State to the path of progressive governance, sustainable socioeconomic growth, and political inclusion in all its ramifications. Yours in the struggle for the rebirth of a greater Edo State that works for all.”
