The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially launched its campaign council in preparation for the governorship election set for September 21, 2024.

The campaign council, as reported by Thepaan, comprises 36 directorates, each with a chairman and director general, among other key roles. The council includes a Deputy Director General of Operations and Administration, a secretary, and coordinators for the three senatorial districts.

The inauguration ceremony was conducted by Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of the state and current senator representing Edo North senatorial district in the National Assembly. Oshiomhole, who serves as the chairman of the campaign council, emphasized that members of the party from over 4,000 units, 192 wards, and 18 local government areas are integral parts of the campaign effort.

In his address, Oshiomhole confidently stated that the APC would secure victory in the upcoming election through a democratic process in a free and fair contest. He urged party members to work diligently to win in their respective units, wards, and local government areas.

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He expressed strong support for the party’s candidates, Senator Monday Okpebholo for governor and Dennis Idahosa for deputy governor, affirming that their candidacies would lead the party to victory. “Every member and supporter of the APC is a member of the campaign for genuine change under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he declared. “Titles do not matter. I urge every member of the party in the state to work hard to win their units and wards. Every member is a canvasser.”

Oshiomhole also pledged to play a humble role in ensuring Okpebholo’s success, stating he was prepared to “sweep Senator Monday Okpebholo into office as governor.”

Senator Matthew Urhoghide, the Director General of the Campaign Council, expressed enthusiasm about the inauguration. He encouraged members to work tirelessly, acknowledging the significant challenge of unseating the incumbent government. He also called for unity among party members and stressed the importance of hard work over financial influence.

State party chairman Jarrett Tenebe criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, citing issues such as bad governance, frequent flooding, and the lack of red-roof schools. Tenebe praised former governors Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Prof. Ambrose Alli, and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for their positive contributions and assured that Okpebholo and Idahosa would restore those achievements.

In his speech, APC governorship candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo promised not to let down the party or the people if elected. He pledged to rejuvenate the state’s infrastructure, human capital, and socioeconomic sectors.

Dennis Idahosa, the party’s deputy governorship candidate, echoed these sentiments in his vote of thanks. He criticized the current government for failing to attract foreign direct investment over the past seven years and assured that an Okpebholo-led administration would bring in investors to boost the state’s economy.