The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday threw down the gauntlet to Governor Godwin Obaseki, challenging him to walk the streets of Benin City with his party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to prove his popularity.
The APC’s deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, made this provocative statement during the inauguration of the local government and ward campaign councils for Oredo Local Government Area.
Idahosa argued that if Obaseki and Ighodalo were to walk through the streets of Benin City and other parts of Edo State, they would face severe backlash from the public due to Obaseki’s disconnect from the people.
Idahosa stated, “Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has been out of government now for eight years now, 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 round the streets of Benin City and other places in the state and Oshiomhole will take the hand of 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.”
Idahosa emphasized that a new APC government would build on the achievements of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, focusing on flood control, rebuilding public schools, addressing insecurity, and respecting traditional institutions.
Senator Matthew Uroghide, Director General of the APC Campaign Council, highlighted the party’s accomplishments and its strong position in the election. He stressed that APC candidates are sitting members of the National Assembly who have been actively working for their constituents. Uroghide also underscored Oredo’s significance in Edo South politics, noting that many political figures who were once in different parties have now unified under the APC banner, signaling a strong chance for victory.
In his address, the Director General of the Campaign Council in Oredo, Hon. Osaro Obazee, called for unity among party members. He reminded them of the importance of working together for the party’s success despite previous conflicts over the primary election results. “Today, I am overwhelmed with the quality and quantity of people here today. Not too long ago, we were all involved in our primary election and I recall that in our last meeting, some people still had deep anger. You have a choice when you are contesting a primary election but once a candidate has emerged, you can no longer have a personal interest except if you want to do anti-party activities which have consequences so we must work together.”
Obazee also hinted at a new campaign strategy, stating that details would be shared in a closed-door meeting, signifying a shift from traditional campaigning methods.
In a separate statement, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, criticized the current administration and pledged a future focused on tangible progress rather than responding to “gossip.” Okpebholo vowed, “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.”
