The Edo State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) issued a challenge to Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging him to accompany the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, on a tour of Benin city and other areas in the state.
The APC dared Obaseki to witness the potential consequences, suggesting that he would face physical harm or a violent response.
During the inauguration of the campaign councils of Oredo Local Government Area, Dennis Idahosa, deputy governorship candidate of the APC, emphasized that a prospective APC administration would carry forward the initiatives of Adams Oshiomhole.
These initiatives include addressing flood control, reconstructing public schools, combating insecurity and cultism.
He also requested party members who are still upset about the primary election’s outcome, which led to the selection of Monday Okpebholo as the party’s candidate, to remain loyal to the party and work together as a united group to secure the party’s victory.
He stated, “Adams Oshiomhole has been out of government now for eight years, the current governor is Obaseki and he has been there for almost eight years, we want Obaseki to take the hands of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo and walk around the streets of Benin City and other places in the state and Oshiomhole will take the hand of Monday Okpebholo and do the same thing and see what will happen.
“If Obaseki does not wear a helmet, he will come back bleeding because he is completely disconnected from the people.”
Monday Okpebholo stated that in the event of being elected ,his administration “Would not listen to gossip, we will be there to work for Edo people so that there will be progress in the state. We are ready to send them packing because they have failed us. I was in the local government of the PDP candidate and by the time I counted thirty things I have done in his place, they could not point to one thing that he has done for them.”
Osaro Obazee, the Director General of the Campaign Council in Oredo, in his initial comments, emphasized the importance of coming together and co-operation among the party members.
Rev. Olu Martins, the Deputy Director of Media and Publicity of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, stated that Obaseki does not require a popularity test and emphasized that Ighodalo does not need to be with Obaseki to recognize his widespread appeal.
He noted, “We have consistently said that Governor Obaseki is not on the ballot. Also, they accused Governor Obaseki of being a godfather to Asue Ighodalo and we are trying to show them that Asue is his own man, he has his ideas, he has his own philosophy, he has his own directions as far as governance and leadership and management of state resources are concerned. Ighodalo has been all over the place on his own selling himself to the people.”
 issued a challenge to Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging him to accompany the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, on a tour of Benin city and other areas in the state.){kind=link}