According to a report from the Sun, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Organization, addressed concerns about the perceived influence of "federal might" on election outcomes by drawing on his own experiences to refute such apprehensions.
He pointed to his successful election to the Senate as a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), despite the fact that former President Muhammadu Buhari belongs to the APC and there was an APC governor in his state.
Reflecting on his tenure in the Senate starting from 2019, Senator Urhoghide recalled facing a strong APC candidate during elections but still emerging victorious.
He stressed the importance of electoral meritocracy, expressing confidence that their candidates' success would be based on their accomplishments and public service records rather than political leverage or affiliations.
Senator Urhoghide stated, "There's always talk about 'federal might' and its impact on elections. Former President Muhammadu Buhari is affiliated with the APC, yet I was elected to the Senate as a PDP member. Despite having an APC governor in my state, federal might did not prevent my election to the Senate.
When I sought re-election after my first term ended in 2019, the governor at the time was Adams Oshiomhole. The APC fielded a strong candidate, Hon Samson Osagie, against me, but they lost and I emerged victorious.
Throughout my eight years in the Senate, Buhari was in office. Our upcoming elections will be based on merit, and we are confident that our candidates will succeed based on their achievements."