Just three months ahead of the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council has affirmed that Senator Monday Okpebholo, their candidate, is poised to address the shortcomings of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration if elected as governor.
In a statement made in Benin City on Sunday, Kassim Afegbua, the media consultant for the campaign council, emphasized this commitment.
The Edo State governorship race, scheduled for September 21, 2024, boasts a field of candidates from at least 16 political parties.
Afegbua urged the residents of the state to reject the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its contender, Asue Ighodalo. He outlined that Senator Monday Okpebholo, once in office, would prioritize addressing crucial areas such as agriculture, health, education, human capital development, environmental protection, and safety and security infrastructure.
“By voting for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the trend of capital flight, which has been prevalent during the PDP-led administration, will come to an end,” remarked Afegbua.
Regarding indigenous contractors, Afegbua highlighted the challenges faced under the Obaseki regime. He criticized the importation of briefcase contractors instead of supporting local businesses.
Afegbua also pointed out Okpebholo’s track record of garnering public respect, citing his victory over a PDP incumbent senator in the 2023 elections as evidence.
“Edo State needs to rejuvenate and break free from the shackles of underdevelopment, collaborating with a leader who fosters communal entrepreneurship for the betterment of our citizens,” he added.
Characterizing the PDP governorship aspirant, Asue Ighodalo, as an outsider and a mere puppet of Obaseki, Afegbua cautioned that Ighodalo would perpetuate Obaseki’s unpopular policies if elected.
He also highlighted the unmet commitments of the PDP-led Obaseki administration, including Sobe Farms, the promised 18 stadia in each of the 18 local governments, Gelegele Port, Auchi Airport, an industrial park, and the pledge for 200,000 jobs in Edo State, among other initiatives.