– Call Asue Ighodalo Stranger
– Say Federal High Court judgment, victory for democracy
– Lament failure, broken hopes
– Praise PDP defectors

Youths in Edo State on Saturday declared that the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in the September 21 governorship election was a foregone conclusion.

“There is no alternative to Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 governorship election,” they stated, asserting that Okpebholo’s governorship was an idea whose time had come.

“Monday Okpebholo will usher in change and accountability,” they emphasized.

Reading from a prepared text on behalf of Esan youths, community leaders, and women on Saturday in Igueben, the Chairman of Esan Youths Movement, Pastor Jonathan Omozokpia, said Okpebholo’s governorship ambition was practically signed, sealed, and delivered.

“Monday Okpebholo has succeeded in building a network of friends across Nigeria and abroad. He is a darling of the grassroots and will definitely win the September 21 governorship election in Edo State,” Omozokpia stated.

The youths stressed that Okpebholo’s governorship ambition was an answer to the clarion call by well-meaning individuals, including traditional rulers, frontline politicians, and Edo professionals in Nigeria and abroad.

“We want a governor who can launch a rebirth and lead Edo away from backwardness to true greatness,” they said.

They dismissed the governorship ambition of Asue Ighodalo, describing him as a complete disadvantage and stranger in Esanland.

“Monday Okpebholo shares our values,” they affirmed.

The youths applauded the judiciary for declaring invalid the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on February 22, 2024, which produced Asue Ighodalo as its governorship candidate. They noted that the Federal High Court Abuja decision was a victory for democracy.

“Many people are tired of incompetent and inept leaders, people who are unable to dream great dreams for Edo State. They are tired of mediocrity and selfishness,” they declared.

Particularly, the youths criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for disappointing the good people of Edo State.

“We need to break from the past, save Edo State from ruins. There has been too much noise but far less action in Edo State. There is a lot of retrogression in several areas,” they lamented.

They also praised PDP members who recently announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).