Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the upcoming Edo bye-election. He made this known during a visit to Okada in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, where he welcomed key political figures who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor assured the people that his administration remains committed to real development in the state.
“We Are Sons of the Soil,” Says Okpebholo
Speaking to the large crowd, Governor Okpebholo reminded the people that both he and his deputy are true sons of Edo. He said, “This administration is working for Edo because we are confirmed sons of the soil. We are not foreigners. We were not borrowed from somewhere else.”
He added, “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.”
The governor emphasized that his team doesn’t wait for election seasons before rolling out development projects. He said their continuous work is based on commitment, not politics.
Okpebholo: Tinubu Will Get 2.5 Million Votes in Edo
Governor Okpebholo also reaffirmed his earlier promise to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Edo State. He said the results of his administration’s work would soon be clear to all.
“I can see it coming to reality today,” he stated confidently, while urging more residents to support the party’s candidates in the coming elections.
Omosede Igbinedion and Idahosa Get Endorsement
Okpebholo introduced Omosede Igbinedion as the APC candidate for the August 16 bye-election in Ovia Federal Constituency, calling her “Madam Projects” because of her track record. He also referred to Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa as “Mr. Projects,” in recognition of his work.
He said, “In the next few days, I will be back here for a campaign to let our people know that the choice for Ovia Federal Constituency is the right one.”
PDP Members Join APC in Edo State
A major part of the event was the formal defection of several PDP members to the APC. Notable among them were Andrew Uzamere, the sitting member representing Ovia North Constituency II, and Peter Ekhator, a former council chairman. They were joined by other political figures including Hon. Uwaifo, Christopher Igodalo, and many followers.
Speaking on behalf of the new APC members, Uzamere and Ekhator thanked the party for the warm welcome and promised full support ahead of the elections.
APC Leaders Praise Okpebholo’s Performance
Also present at the event were top party leaders including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, and Senator Mathew Urokhide. They all spoke about Okpebholo’s work in Edo State, describing it as the reason for the massive support the APC is gaining.
Former Edo Deputy Governor Chief Lucky Imasuen and other political leaders were also in attendance, showing a united front ahead of the by-election.
APC Targets Victory in Edo Bye-Election
Governor Okpebholo seems convinced that the people of Edo owe the APC a thank-you vote. With PDP leaders jumping ship and his party flexing its political muscles, he believes the bye-election will be a walk in the park. But whether Edo voters see the APC’s performance as a gift worth rewarding—or a debt worth calling in—is a decision only the ballot will answer.
Governor Okpebholo has made it clear that the APC is ready for victory in the Edo bye-election. With major PDP figures switching sides and the support of top party leaders, the governor believes the people of Edo will reward good governance with votes. Well, the poll will tell, if it isn’t rigged.