According to reports from PUNCH, Udoh Oberaifo, the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, has positioned his party as a compelling alternative capable of rescuing the state from its current political, social, and economic challenges.
In a statement following the official unveiling of his deputy, Lord Osunde, a former leader of the Obidient Movement in Edo State, Oberaifo emphasized the need for a departure from the governance styles of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he claimed had only brought limited development to the state.
Citing issues such as high poverty rates, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity, Oberaifo asserted that the AAC represents hope for the people of Edo State, offering a platform committed to prioritizing their welfare and interests above political considerations.
He underscored the significance of Osunde's defection to the AAC, highlighting his leadership roles within the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement as indicative of a growing desire for change among Edo residents.
Oberaifo outlined his vision for Edo's development, emphasizing the importance of fostering an enabling environment for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to flourish.
Drawing from his experience as a consultant with the Mastercard Foundation, which supported over 40,000 small businesses in Nigeria, he stressed the pivotal role of SMEs in addressing unemployment and driving economic growth.
Proposing to empower SMEs as a means to control fiscal policy and reduce dependency on foreign exchange, Oberaifo expressed confidence in the transformative potential of supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.