The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has dared Governor Godwin Obaseki to a popularity contest, challenging him to walk around the streets of Benin City and other parts of the state with his party's candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
According to Vanguard newspaper, The APC claims that Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, is more popular than Obaseki and that the governor would "end up with a bloody nose" if he accepts the challenge.
Speaking at the inauguration of the local government and ward campaign councils of Oredo local government area, the deputy governorship candidate of the party, Hon.
Dennis Idahosa, said, "Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has been out of government for eight years now, and the current governor, Obaseki, 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."
The APC claims that Obaseki is disconnected from the people and that their candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, will win the election if Obaseki accepts the challenge. Okpebholo said, "If elected, my administration will 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."
The Director General of the APC Campaign Council, Sen. Matthew Uroghide, expressed confidence in the party's chances, saying, "APC has done enough for the people to win the election, including our candidates who are sitting members of the National Assembly and have been working for their people."