BY BERNADETTE IDALU
BENIN CITY — With the August 16 bye-election drawing closer, Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has rallied the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver a sweeping victory in Ovia Federal Constituency, declaring Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion as the right choice for the House of Representatives.
Leading the party’s ward-to-ward campaign across Ofumwengbe, Ekiadolor, and Oluku communities in Ovia North-East, Idahosa urged APC ward and council leaders to take ownership of the election and mobilize aggressively.
“We’re not here to campaign,” he told party faithful in Oluku. “We know your capacity, let your field experience speak. If each of you convinces ten voters to turn out, we’ll secure this ward with ease.”
He warned against complacency and cautioned voters not to back “neophytes” unfamiliar with national legislative responsibilities.
“A vote for Omosede is a vote for development. She will outperform even what I achieved as a representative,” he said at Ofumwengbe, where he described the community as a strong APC base and demanded full turnout.
Idahosa also highlighted the achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo and donated a transformer to the College of Education Road in Ekiadolor on behalf of the administration.
To energize grassroots engagement, Idahosa introduced a reward-based challenge, promising recognition for the ward or unit that delivers the highest number of votes and wins.
Addressing the crowds, Omosede Igbinedion promised to bring quality representation to Ovia.
“I’m not here to learn,” she said. “I want to bring real change, better roads, healthcare, schools, electricity, and opportunities for our farmers and women.”
Former Deputy Governors Lucky Imasuen and Dr. Pius Odubu, alongside Senator Mathew Urhoghide and other party stalwarts, joined the campaign, urging unity and total support for Igbinedion.
Imasuen hailed Idahosa’s leadership, calling his appointment as deputy governor a wise decision by Governor Okpebholo.
The rally witnessed a major boost for the APC when the Peoples Democratic Party Ward Chairman and a Labour Party councillorship candidate defected at Ofumwengbe, signaling a shift in political momentum in favour of the ruling party.
