According to the report from the Vanguard, The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a challenge to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to test his popularity. The APC urged Governor Obaseki to parade his party's candidate, Asue Ighodalo, through the streets of Benin City and other parts of the state. They suggested this as a way to demonstrate his connection with the people.
In a statement made during the inauguration of the local government and ward campaign councils of Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, running mate to Sen. Monday Okpebholo, said: "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 continue the work of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, specifically in areas such as flood control, rebuilding public schools, tackling insecurity and cultism, and respecting traditional institutions.
Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, also addressed the gathering. He promised that his administration would focus on the progress of Edo State if elected. "We would not listen to gossip; we will be there to work for Edo people so that there will be progress in the state. We are ready to send them packing because they have failed us," Okpebholo said.
He criticized the current administration's lack of achievements, stating, "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."
Sen. Matthew Uroghide, Director General of the APC Campaign Council, expressed confidence in the party's ability to win the upcoming election. He noted that the party’s candidates, who are also members of the National Assembly, have been actively working for their constituents.
Urhoghide remarked, "Oredo is the heartbeat of politics in Edo South and that most of the political bigwigs in Oredo, including himself who had been in different political parties, are now all one party, so the victory of the party is sure."
Hon. Osaro Obazee, Director General of the Campaign Council in Oredo, called for unity among APC members for the forthcoming election.
He emphasized the importance of solidarity post-primary election, stating, "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 concluded by highlighting a new strategy for campaigning, promising discussions in a closed-door meeting to ensure the party's victory.