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  • Edo 2024: I will run an inclusive government — Okpebholo

    Edo 2024: I will run an inclusive government — Okpebholo

    Sen. Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, says he will run an inclusive government when elected in the September 21 governorship election.

    Okpebholo stated this on the sideline of a flag off of medical mission by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Akamkpa, Cross River on Monday.

    The Senator representing Edo Central in the 10th Assembly and a member of the Senate Committee on NDDC, also noted that he will adopt bottom-top approach in running the affairs of the state.

    According to him, unlike what is currently obtainable in the governance of the state, his administration will be practically driven.

    Read Also: Shaibu: I will back APC’s Okpebholo

    ‘‘It will be a governance that the people can relate with, a true people’s government in the real sense.”

    The APC candidate, who bemoaned the lack of infrastructural development across the 18 Local Government Area of Edo, promised to re-enact Adams Oshiomhole infrastructural revolution.

    He said that emergency would be declared on roads, schools and health infrastructure in the state.

    “We are set for that.

    “We will be taking a holistic approach to correct the decayed roads, schools and health infrastructure that have been left unattended to.

    “If the Obaseki-led administration had built upon what the government of Adams Oshiomhole did, Edo would have been competing with a state like Lagos in terms of development.

    “Our mission is to, from day one, hit the ground running and make Edo a better place.

    ‘‘A place we can actually call our own, a place that everybody will be happy to see,” he stated.

    (NAN)

  • Democracy Day: Okpebholo, Ighodalo Urge Edo electorate to apply June 12 lessons in guber poll

    Democracy Day: Okpebholo, Ighodalo Urge Edo electorate to apply June 12 lessons in guber poll

    Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo state, and Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, both representing the Edo Central Senatorial District, have called on the electorate in Edo to reflect on the lessons of June 12 as they vote in the upcoming governorship election on September 21. 

    During Democracy Day celebrations on Wednesday, June 12, Okpebholo emphasised that June 12 marks a significant day when Nigerians united across regional and religious lines to champion democratic freedom.

    APC’s standard bearer in Edo said: “My party and I, join in the celebration with our good people of Edo State, especially now that the majority of us are in despair, as a result of the inept government we elected four years ago in Edo State.

    “Edo has never needed you more than it needs you today. As we speak, the state feels more unstable and more dangerous than it has ever been.

    “We are witnessing a continued assault on our democratic, traditional, and other norms, accompanied by escalating political tension, fueled by a steady stream of misinformation and state-sponsored bile against our cherished institutions on social media.

    “Sadly, over the last few weeks, we have watched a deadly struggle unfold in our state, triggered by the desperation of the ruling PDP to hold on to power, despite its failure across the board.”

    Okpebholo admitted that it was impossible to be dispassionate in the face of the challenges facing Edo state, while it was also hard to feel hopeful within the present circumstances.

    He said: “We should celebrate today (yesterday), because it brings a new opportunity for us to support the rescue work we have started, along with thousands of volunteers. 

    “The images of families mourning, because their loved ones have been swept away by floods, or weeping over the rubble of their homes that have been demolished, are heart-wrenching.

    “The reckless actions of the PDP’s government in Edo State are a moral reckoning on all of us. We cannot sit idly and watch the opportunities of our youths wasted by those we entrusted with our votes.”

    APC’s governorship candidate in Edo also pleaded with all Edo residents to join the growing movement to make the state work again.

    Ighodalo, in a press statement by Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) in Benin, however, insisted that the greatest honour anyone could do to June 12 was to make sure the lessons of the epoch-making event were repeated at every election and thereby entrenched for generations to come.

    He said: “It is 31 years ago that June 12 happened. It has been variously described as a political watershed, the freest and fairest election ever held in Nigeria. On that day, Nigerians from all walks of life shunned ethnic, religious, and partisan sentiments or considerations, and voted for competence, capacity, vision, compassion, and character. The late business mogul, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, aka MKO, was overwhelmingly elected.

    “June 12 is now our Democracy Day, an eloquent testimony to its significance in Nigeria’s political history. I urge all Edo State’s residents to re-enact the lessons of June 12 on September 21, 2024. 

    “We must show the world that we in Edo State are particular about visionary leadership, competence, capacity, character, and compassionate leadership, which I must say I represent.

    “We must also show that we are not driven by the sentiments of ethnicity, filial considerations or partisan differences. September 21, 2024 is about our dear Edo State, our future and the future of our children. God bless Edo State and God bless Nigeria.”

    Sixteen political parties are fielding candidates in Edo’s governorship election, including Labour Party’s (LP’s) Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who hails from Edo South Senatorial District as the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP.

  • Edo 2024: Okpebholo and his crumbling sandcastle

    Edo 2024: Okpebholo and his crumbling sandcastle

    • By George Etakibuebu

    Though the September 21 governorship election in Edo State is 101 days or more than three months away, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s sandcastle has begun to disintegrate in earnest. This is not entirely surprising. Any structure built on a false and fraudulent foundation, no matter how beautifully designed, it is bound to collapse. Okpebholo’s edifice has started unraveling much sooner than expected.

    In February, Okpebholo, the senator representing Edo Central, was declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the coming governorship election in the state in a rather controversial circumstances that left political observers trying to understand the real meaning of the word ‘abracadabra’. Within a space of seven days or so, the APC managed to weave a stupendously entertaining political acrobatic display in a re-run primary election that overturned the result of the one held six or seven days earlier.

    Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River and the chairman of the APC supplementary primary election, declared Okpebholo winner of the election on Friday, February 23, in Benin, the Edo State capital. Otu said the candidate polled 12,433 votes to defeat 11 other aspirants in the contest.

    Earlier on February 17, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who was the former chairman of the primary election committee, had announced Hon Dennis Idahosa, a member of the House of Representatives, as the winner of the primary election. Idahosa, who led in the first ballot with 4,483, ended the rerun with 6,541 votes.

    In a quick reaction, one of the party’s stalwarts, Kassim Afegbua, a former commissioner for information in the state, declared that the governorship primary that produced Okpebholo “never took place”. Afegbua, who spoke in a chat with a popular online news medium, described Okpebholo’s election as a “gang-up by the national leadership” of the party. During the rescheduled primary, Okpebholo suddenly scored 12, 433 votes and was declared the winner ahead of 11 other aspirants.

    Afegbua, who was also a governorship aspirant, insisted that Okpebholo and his allies were nowhere to be found on the day of the primary which produced him as winner. “That is how they wanted it and we say good luck to them. The national headquarters of the party should go and deliver the candidate they have ganged up to produce. We will just sit down here and watch.

    “Since they say Oshiomhole is their problem, they should leave him out of this and go and deliver the man (Okpebholo) during the election. We all knew that there was no primary conducted on Thursday by Okpebholo and others. We never saw the representative of Okpebholo and the others on the field,” he had argued.

    Observers started getting a bit concerned and skeptical about the suitability, competence, capacity and preparedness of Okpebholo for the task of leading one of the most sophisticated states in Nigeria after the party pulled another ‘master-stroke’ that made Idahosa the running mate to Okpebholo. The senator started displaying ‘absconditus’ tendencies. Avoiding any engagement during the day and only managing to crawl out at night once in a while; almost becoming a recluse or hermit. He would however, never fail to cause a public commotion whenever he manages to come to the open through series of gaffes, palpable display of a lack of self-confidence, incoherent and unsynchronized deliveries and his annoyingly lack of basic knowledge needed for a high profile office like the Governor of Edo State.

    In May, for whatever reason, his handlers packaged for him a tour of the USA with a view to engaging Edo citizens in the Diaspora. The result was a colossal failure. There, he displayed such naivety, ignorance, palpable inferiority and an unambiguous verdict that he is not a governorship material. He could not differentiate between a museum and a zoo. At best, those who had hoped to burnish his image, succeeded in portraying him as less than suitable for even a counsellorship position, politically.

    The US trip was followed by another engagement with the Akoko-Edo Development Association. The result was a spectacular fiasco. It left an indelible conclusion that the APC has only manage to present, most possibly imposed, the least candidate with the requisite competencies, capacity, vision, self-assuredness, the basic and general knowledge, social-awareness and the presence of mind to be the governor of a 21st Century Edo State out of the 18 political parties.

    Disturbed by the discovery, many well informed citizens of Edo State began wondering why a big party like the APC peopled with brilliant minds and controlling the federal government would saddle the voters in Edo with an impossible choice of a vacuous, dour and completely incoherent and unconvincing candidate for the election?

    In the last two weeks, those who feel they could no longer bear the shame of being led by the nose are voting with their feet, leaving the Monday Okpebhole sandcastle and fleeing to safety in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which parades Dr Asue Ighodalo, the best candidate by far for the coming election.

    Read Also: Faleke blames media office for ‘hasty’ publication on wife’s birthday

    In Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Council, a chieftain of the party, Alhaji Musa Isiwele, a former National President of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), led over 3000 members to dump the APC. In Uwessan, the community of Okpebholo, defectors from the APC numbering over a 1000, in a carnival-like reception, embraced the PDP. The crowd was described as “a massive, organic, spontaneous and unprecedented.”

    Chief Francis Inegbeniki, the APC state vice chairman, has also dumped the party. He insisted in a video that has gone viral that APC is not ready for the September election.

    Okpebholo’s media team also suffered a major setback as its arrowhead, John Mayaki refused the position of Director of New Media. Earlier, a media entrepreneur sympathetic to the APC, Chris Osa of the Chris Osa Media fame, had also dumped the party. There is also Saint Moses Eromosele, popularly known as SME. Three days ago, Akim Zibiri, a close associate of the State Acting Chairman of the APC, Jarret Tenebe, also dumped the party. The list is endless. There are indications that those few members who recently left PDP are on their way out of the APC to rejoin their former party.

    Political observers are predicting that this may just be the beginning of a coming Tsunami and exodus from the Okpebholo sandcastle and that many more will vote with their feet the moment he is further exposed to the public. And for this, they also predict that the leadership of the party will do everything humanly possible to shield and hide him away from any forms of public engagement.

    It is therefore the duty of the Edo people to demand a public scrutiny via public engagement and interaction with the people by Okpebholo to avoid buying a black-market commodity with potentials regrets for the next four years

  • Edo guber: Okpebholo pledges commitment to infrastructure, healthcare, security, others

    Edo guber: Okpebholo pledges commitment to infrastructure, healthcare, security, others

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his commitment to ensuring adequate security and massive infrastructural development to advance the economic development of the state.

    Okpebholo also assured the people of the state that his administration would provide affordable healthcare, water and food security, value-driven education, and economic rejuvenation, for the enjoyment of the masses, in addition to tourism and creative industry.

    The party flagbearer, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, also pledged to give life to the Edo Diaspora Agency which will boost the participation and engagement of Edo State indigenous residents abroad.

    Read Also: Okpebholo: don’t drag Oba of Benin in the market square

    He made the pledge during a meeting with the Edo community in Washington DC, United States of America.

    In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, Okpebholo noted the role of Edo people in the diaspora in the development of the various communities in the state and further, solicited their support for his election as the governor of Edo State.

    The communique read: “Senator Monday Okpebholo who eloquently informed us of his contributions to the development of Edo State as a citizen and as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Edo Central Senatorial District adumbrated his manifesto which focuses on Security, Massive Infrastructural Development to advance the economic development of the state and open it up for massive foreign investments.

    “He also listed affordable healthcare, water and food security, value-driven education, and economic rejuvenation, while not leaving behind tourism and the creative industry in his manifesto of Renewed Hope for the Edo people.

    “Senator Okpebholo also promised to give life to the Edo Diaspora Agency which will ensure the participation and engagement of Edo State indigenes resident abroad.”

  • It’s sacrilege to drag Oba of Benin in market square, says Okpebholo

    It’s sacrilege to drag Oba of Benin in market square, says Okpebholo

    Edo governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21  election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said  It is a sacrilege for anyone to drag  the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare  into the market square and attempt to settle the matter secretly thereafter.

    Okpebholo, who spoke in the United States of America while addressing Edo people in the diaspora, said he would establish a fully-fledged diaspora office to oversee the interests and well-being of Edo citizens living abroad.

     A statement by Senator Monday Okpebholo Campaign Organisation, by its Director of Media and Publicity, John Mayaki, said: “Oba Ewuare II, is our father, and we will consult him on every issue when I become governor,” Okpebholo said while reacting to a question on what he would do differently towards the Oba of Benin when he becomes governor, in contrast to the hostile attitude of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Read Also: Ighodalo hits APC’s Okpebholo over flood claim on GRA road

    Okpebholo said: “The Oba is the father of all. You cannot drag him out into the market square and later pretend to want to settle with him in secret. 

    “This is a sacrilege. When I become governor, I will do things differently and consult the Oba on every issue concerning the people and the state.” 

    On Edo people in the diaspora, the APC candidate said: “I don’t think the government has been fair to them. There is this Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill of 2017 that has been passed into law by the federal government. 

    “When I become the Governor of Edo State, I will adopt it and establish a fully-fledged diaspora office to oversee the interests and well-being of our citizens living abroad.”

    This would be done through an executive bill.” Okpebholo said,

    “This diaspora office would be responsible for identifying, coordinating, and organizing diasporans who wish to contribute to the welfare and development of Edo State.

    “The idea is that this office would enhance closer ties and expedite development within the state and its diaspora, to be managed by a diaspora focal person in the agency or commission. 

    “We will give priority to Diaspora affairs because we have a lot of our people scattered abroad, excelling in various ways, and willing to contribute to state and national development.”

  • Ighodalo hits APC’s Okpebholo over flood claim on GRA road

    Ighodalo hits APC’s Okpebholo over flood claim on GRA road

    The People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State Asue Ighodalo has lashed his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart Senator Monday Okpebholo for claiming he couldn’t drive his V8 SUV through a flooded portion of GRA road in Benin, the capital city. 

    It said a video clip by Okpebholo that he could not drive through a portion of the unspecified road in GRA was a “comedy or error” especially when an Audi 80 saloon car successful drove through the same road. 

    A statement by Team Asue Media Organisation(TAMO) on Friday cautioned Okpebholo to refrain from making wild allegations designed to discredit the ruling PDP and Ighodalo. 

    The statement reads: We are concerned that despite several appeals that the ongoing campaign be focused on issues, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, the leaders and now the candidate, Senator Monday Okpebolo, have made the peddling of lies and propaganda their primary focus.

    “The latest such happened on Thursday, May 16 wherein Okpebholo was seen in a video clip making wild allegations against the state Government and Dr Asue Ighodalo, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the same election on account of a flooded portion of an unspecified road in GRA.

    “However, contrary to Senator Okpebholo’s claim that his V8 SUVs could not drive through the flooded spot, an AUDI 80 saloon car drove through it very easily with the driver smiling into the camera.

    Read Also: Unpaid salary arrears, others why electorate should vote against Ighodalo – Okpebholo

    “We consider all these half-truths, outright lies, misinformation, disinformation and propaganda unhealthy for the polity and all designed to deceive the good people of Edo State. This is unacceptable and we call on APC and their supporters to apply caution. Mercifully, Edo people are wiser, smarter and more discerning than the APC and Okpebholo can ever think or imagine.

    “We assert that, yes, Ighodalo has promised to “continue with the good policies of all previous administrations in the state, review those that deserved to be reviewed and do away with those that are not relevant or no longer meet the needs and aspirations of the people.” If Okpebholo and Edo APC have a problem with that simple statement of intention, we are sorry, we cannot help them.

    “On his part, Ighodalo is ready to continue with Edo BEST, civil service reforms, land use administration reforms, optimization of security, regular salaries payment to government workers, regular payment of pensions and gratuities and many more that have put smiles on the faces of Edo people. And, Edo people have heard the message loud and clear and aligned with him.

    “Ighodalo is determined to move Edo State from where it is now to a “First world sub-national government,” a state where all Edo sons and daughters would be proud to call home and return to invest, live and holiday without any fears whatsoever. Ighodalo will not be deterred by APC and Okpebholo’s smear campaign of calumny and orchestrated regime of lies and propaganda. A fruitful tree will inevitably have stones thrown at it.

    “Ighodalo’s eyes remain fixed on the larger picture – make Edo a first world sub-national in Nigeria. He has all the competences, the capacity, the character, the compassion and the connection to make it happen.”

  • Unpaid salary arrears, others why electorate should vote against Ighodalo – Okpebholo

    Unpaid salary arrears, others why electorate should vote against Ighodalo – Okpebholo

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) i in Edo State for the September 21, 2024 election, Senator Monday Okpeboho, has promised to end the 27-month unpaid salaries of lecturers of Edo government-owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of the state, from November 12 this year.

    He also urged Edo electorate to stop with their massive votes, the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a Lagos-based lawyer, being backed by Governor Godwin Obaseki, in order to ensure good governance.

    Okpeboho, the representative of Edo Central Senatorial District, spoke at Emuado-Ekpoma in Esan West LGA, while receiving into the APC, over four thousand Obidient Movement’s defectors from Ward 4 and other wards in Ekpoma.

    Read Also:AA’s Iseghohi-Okojie battles Okpebholo, Ighodalo for Edo votes

    He was accompanied by his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, who represents Ovia constituency of Edo in the House of Representatives; the state’s Chairman of APC, Jarett Tenebe; and other chieftains of the party.

    Okpebholo declared that change was imperative in Edo on November 12, so as to ensure a departure from the bad governance and administrative mediocrity, currently being experienced in the intellectually-endowed state.

    The governorship candidate of APC in Edo said: “The neglect of AAU, Ekpoma’s lecturers is unacceptable. The Edo electorate must chase out Obaseki and his PDP. The September 21, 2024 governorship election provides an opportunity for a fresh start. PDP has done enough damage in Edo State. PDP has failed the residents of Edo State.

    “I saw Obaseki on national television the other day, saying PDP had all it would take to win over 80 per cent of votes in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. Someone who has not been able to rescue AAU’s lecturers, who are owed 27 months salaries, while he is still desperate to produce a successor in Asue Ighodalo.”

  • Alleged unpaid salaries: Why Edo electorate must stop Ighodalo with massive votes, by Okpebholo

    Alleged unpaid salaries: Why Edo electorate must stop Ighodalo with massive votes, by Okpebholo

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpeboho, has promised to put an end to the 27-month unpaid salaries of lecturers at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma.

    The AAU is a government-owned institution located in the Esan West Local Government Area of the state, promising to start paying the lecturers from November 12, 2024.

    Senator Okpeboho urged the people of Edo to vote for the APC and its governorship candidate in the upcoming September 21, elections.

    He asked the people to refrain from voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who is a Lagos-based lawyer backed by current Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Senator Okpeboho said that voting for the APC candidate is the key to ensuring good governance in the state.

    The senator made these remarks while receiving over four thousand defectors from the Obidient Movement who have switched their allegiance to the APC.

    The defectors were from Ward 4 and other wards in Ekpoma.

    Senator Okpeboho spoke at Emuado-Ekpoma in Esan West LGA.

    He was accompanied by his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, who represents the Ovia constituency of Edo in the House of Representatives; the state’s Chairman of APC, Jarett Tenebe; and other chieftains of the party.

    Okpebholo declared that change was imperative in Edo on November 12, to ensure a departure from the bad governance and administrative mediocrity, currently being experienced in the intellectually-endowed state.

    Read Also: Okpebholo to Obaseki, Ighodalo, PDP: you can’t smear my reputation

    The governorship candidate of APC in Edo said: “The neglect of AAU, Ekpoma’s lecturers is unacceptable. Edo electorate must chase out Obaseki and his PDP. The September 21, 2024 governorship election provides an opportunity for a fresh start. PDP has done enough damage in Edo State. PDP has failed the residents of Edo State.

    “I saw Obaseki on national television the other day, saying PDP had all it would take to win over 80 percent of votes in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. Someone who has not been able to rescue AAU’s lecturers, who are being owed 27 months’ salaries, while he is still desperate to produce a successor in Asue Ighodalo.”

    Okpebholo also admonished the defectors to urge other Edo residents to vote massively for him, in order not to elect another dictator as governor, but a partner.

    The spokesman of the defectors, James Akharayi, disclosed that their decision to leave the Labour Party (LP) for APC was given the need to align with Okpebholo, described as a man with vision, capacity, and the ability to steer the state on the path of development and to ensure inclusive governance.

    Akharayi also assured Edo APC’s governorship candidate that the defectors would work assiduously to ensure Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21 this year poll.

    Idahosa and Tenebe equally gave an assurance that the defected politicians would not be discriminated against, but they would enjoy the same privileges as the old members.

    The spokesman of AAU, Ekpoma, Otunba Mike Aladenika, was contacted for his reaction, but he declined to speak, for undisclosed reasons.

  • AA’s Iseghohi-Okojie battles Okpebholo, Ighodalo for Edo votes

    AA’s Iseghohi-Okojie battles Okpebholo, Ighodalo for Edo votes

    By Lucky Adeoluwa

    In a move heralded as a beacon of democracy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled the list of gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming Edo State election. With 17 contenders vying for the prestigious position of governor, the stage is set for a riveting electoral showdown.

    Among the myriad of aspirants, four towering figures emerge as the frontrunners, each poised to chart a transformative course for Edo State. They are Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie of the Action Alliance party, Monday Okpebholo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olumide Akpata carrying the banner of the Labour Party (LP), and Asue Ighodalo championing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stand at the forefront, embodying hope and promise for the people of Edo.

    What sets this electoral landscape apart is not just the calibre of the candidates but also the inclusion of women in pivotal roles. Remarkably, two out of the four contenders have chosen female running mates, underscoring a progressive shift towards gender inclusivity in Nigerian politics. The decision to select a female running mate brings a myriad of advantages to the table.

    Firstly, it sends a powerful message of gender equality and empowerment, showcasing a commitment to breaking down traditional barriers in politics. Secondly, female leaders often bring a different perspective and approach to governance, fostering greater empathy, inclusivity and collaboration. Lastly, it serves as a catalyst for inspiring future generations of women to actively participate in politics and leadership roles, thereby fostering a more diverse and representative democracy.

    Delving into the profiles of the final four candidates, it becomes evident that each possesses a unique blend of strengths and experiences, along with their respective advantages and challenges.

    The advantages of having a female running mate diverse representation: In a society striving for inclusivity, the selection of a female running mate signals a departure from traditional norms and a commitment to diversity. It brings underrepresented voices to the forefront, enriching the decision-making process with varied experiences and viewpoints.

    Appeal to women voters: Women constitute a significant portion of the electorate, and having a female running mate can resonate strongly with female voters. It reflects an understanding of women’s issues and priorities, thereby fostering trust and garnering support from this demographic.

    Symbol of progress: The presence of women in leadership positions challenges stereotypes and serves as a beacon of progress. It inspires young girls and women across the nation, showcasing that barriers can be broken, and aspirations can be realized irrespective of gender.

    Assessing the final four candidates: Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie:  With a background steeped in corporate executive leadership, community development and grassroots engagement, Iseghohi-Okojie brings a nuanced understanding of local issues to the forefront. His emphasis on inclusive governance and sustainable development resonates with voters across demographics. Unfortunately, his party’s relative newcomer status may pose a challenge in garnering widespread support.  On the positive side of things, Prince Tom’s emphasis on grassroots empowerment signals a fundamental reorientation of power dynamics within Edo society. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and prioritizing their needs, he seeks to redress historical inequities and empower individuals to actively participate in shaping their own destinies. This grassroots-centric approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and agency among the populace but also cultivates a culture of civic engagement—a vital component of any vibrant democracy.

    In tandem with his emphasis on inclusivity, Prince Tom’s agenda also reflects a commitment to values-driven governance. By espousing principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency, he seeks to instill a culture of ethical leadership that transcends partisan interests. In doing so, he sets a new standard for political conduct—one that is rooted in service to the people rather than self-aggrandisement.

    This redefinition of political morality sits well with Edo’s populace, who yearn for leaders whose actions align with their professed values.

    Read Also: Okpebholo to Obaseki, Ighodalo, PDP: you can’t smear my reputation

    Furthermore, Prince Tom’s vision for Edo extends beyond the realm of politics, encompassing broader societal transformation. Through his focus on education reform, economic revitalization, and infrastructure development, he seeks to lay the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity. In doing so, he not only addresses immediate challenges but also cultivates a culture of innovation and resilience—a prerequisite for long-term success in an ever-evolving global landscape.

    The Prince Tom phenomenon thus represents more than just a political movement; it heralds a profound reimagining of Edo society—one characterized by inclusivity, integrity, and progress. As citizens rally behind his vision, they signal their collective desire for a future defined by unity and opportunity. In this sense, Prince Tom’s journey serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of visionary leadership—a force capable of reshaping not only political institutions but also the very fabric of society itself.

    Monday Okpevbolo (APC): A seasoned politician with a track record of public service, Monday Okpebolo embodies experience and stability. His party affiliation brings with it a formidable support base and resources. However, navigating the complexities of intra-party dynamics and managing divergent interests within the APC may present hurdles along the campaign trail.

    Olumide Akpata (Labour Party): As a candidate representing the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata champions progressive ideals and economic empowerment. His background as a legal luminary lends credibility to his platform, particularly in matters of justice and governance reform. Yet, breaking through the dominance of competing political giants could prove challenging for the Labour Party’s turbulent presence in the state.

    Asue Ighodalo (PDP): With a rich tapestry of experience spanning business and philanthropy, Asue Ighodalo brings a blend of vision and pragmatism to the table. His party affiliation provides a strong backing and a well-established network of support. However, navigating the intricate web of political alliances and managing heightened public expectations poses its own set of challenges.

    The running mate effect: Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie & Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu.  At the helm of the Action Alliance party, Prince Iseghohi-Okojie has strategically selected Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu as his running mate, a move that speaks volumes of his commitment to inclusivity and grassroots engagement. Onaiwu’s illustrious career as a Chief Nursing Officer with the Edo State hospital management exemplifies dedication and service to the community. Her deep-rooted ties to the Assemblies of God church and extensive philanthropic endeavours underscore her unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of others.  This combination will present massive issues for incumbent politicians because it has the combination of extensive financial, economic and transformative experience, with grassroots impact, philanthropy and extensive political experience locally, nationally and globally.  

    However, the relatively small and unknown nature of the Action Alliance will present a challenge for this formidable duo.  

    Monday Okpebolo & Denis Idahosa: Representing the APC, Monday Okpebolo has enlisted the support of Denis Idahosa, a rising political star known for his previous gubernatorial bid. While strategically sound geographically, this decision may carry disadvantages, particularly in comparison to the formidable female running mates chosen by other contenders.

    However, Okpebolo’s extensive political experience and Idahosa’s grassroots mobilization efforts cannot be underestimated.

    Olumide Akpata & Faith Alufohai: Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s flagbearer, has opted for Faith Alufohai as his running mate, leveraging the advantages of a female presence on the ticket. However, the party’s reputational liabilities and rumours surrounding Akpata’s relationship with the incumbent governor may overshadow the benefits of this strategic choice, potentially hindering their electoral prospects.

    Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie: Asue Ighodalo, representing the PDP, has aligned himself with Osarodion Ogie, a top official closely associated with the present governor. This alliance sends a message that could be perceived as a bid for a third term, a notion that Edo citizens are likely to vehemently reject for various reasons, including the desire for change and resistance to the perpetuation of entrenched power dynamics.

    The rejection of illegitimate power sustenance: Edo citizens have historically shown a strong aversion to politicians attempting to clandestinely extend their tenure in office. The attempt to sustain power beyond constitutional limits is viewed as a betrayal of democratic principles and an affront to the will of the people. Such actions undermine trust in the political process and erode confidence in the integrity of governance, ultimately leading to widespread disillusionment and unrest among the electorate.

    The epic battle ahead: As the campaign trail heats up, Edo State braces itself for an epic battle between the four contenders. At present, the PDP holds a slight lead, closely followed by the APC, with the Action Alliance trailing behind and Labour facing significant challenges. However, with the fast-growing momentum of the Action Alliance party, the dynamics of the race are poised to shift dramatically in the coming months.

    Looking ahead: In the months leading up to the elections, Edo voters will face a pivotal choice between embracing the promise of something new and transformative leadership embodied by Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie or opting to sustain the legacy of the incumbent governor. As the countdown to the gubernatorial elections commences, Edo State finds itself at a crossroads, poised to make a choice that will shape its future trajectory. With a diverse array of candidates offering competing visions for progress and prosperity, the electorate hold the power to chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow. May the spirit of democracy prevail and may the voices of the people resound loud and clear on Election Day. With their sophisticated understanding of the issues at stake and their unwavering commitment to shaping the future of their state, Edo citizens are poised to chart a course that will reverberate far beyond the confines of their borders. Only time will reveal the outcome of this historic electoral showdown.

    * Mr. Adeoluwa writes from Benin City

  • Okpebholo to Obaseki, Ighodalo, PDP: you can’t smear my reputation

    Okpebholo to Obaseki, Ighodalo, PDP: you can’t smear my reputation

    • PDP’s defeat imminent

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has taken a swipe at Governor Godwin Obaseki, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for allegedly sponsoring a smear campaign against him.

    Okpebholo said ‘the PDP, Obaseki, and Ighodalo have suddenly become desperate over fears that they will suffer a humiliating defeat in the upcoming governorship polls’.

    A group, Network of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, recently held a news conference and also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IG), over claims that Okpebholo sprayed the Naira at a public function

    But a statement by Okpebholo’s media office yesterday wondered why ‘desperate Obaseki and his political godson, Ighodalo, will resort to character assassination in order to score cheap political points’.

    Okpebholo said as a private and public person, he has never sprayed or mutilated the naira. He insisted that the video being shared on social media does not belong to him.

    Read Also: Suleja Prisons built over 100 years ago with mud, says Senate

    According to him, he has never been arrested by the police for any civil or criminal offence in his over 50 years on earth.

    He added: “Emperor Godwin Obaseki, the crisis-ridden PDP and their novice candidate, Ighodalo, have decided to resort to cheap blackmail. They know they will lose the election, and they are jittery.

    “They are scouting for fake news and non-existent things to blackmail me and lie to Edo people. Unfortunately for them, we know what they are up to. They smell the defeat already. Edo people have already decided, and no amount of state-sponsored intimidation will work.

    “In Edo State, President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration is working. The Federal Government is reconstructing federal roads in Edo Central, Edo North, and Edo South, and it is planning to implement other social welfare programmes. That is why it is imperative for the people to take sides with the APC and vote for me as the next governor. We will bring the federal government closer to them. We have been isolated for too long, and it is time to end that alienation…”