By Ozioruva Aliu
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday lauded last weekend’s local government council election in the state, saying the party’s overwhelming victory was a precursor to the promised 2.5 million Votes promised President Bola Tinubu in his re-election bid.
This is a few hours after the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) presented Certificates of Return to all elected chairmen and councillors.
Addressing a press conference at the state Secretariat of the party in Benin City, State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, also said the elected chairmen and councillors would not be sworn in until September, when the tenure of the current occupants would be three years in line with statutory provisions for local government election and inauguration.
He also carpeted some opposition parties, querying the exercise, saying the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration, unlike the immediate past administration, broadened the Democratic space as 11 other opposition parties participated in the election.
He said the APC secured 2,158,600 votes, “an overwhelming mandate that is a clear expression of the confidence the people of Edo State have reposed in our great party, the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“This resounding victory did not come by chance. It is the product of hard work, purposeful leadership, effective grassroots mobilization, and the unwavering support of the good people of Edo State.”
Tenebe said that during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, the APC, despite being in opposition and facing intimidation, harassment, and an uneven playing field, participated in the local government elections.
He said th party then won in several local government councils, but the administration hurriedly swore in its preferred candidates, contrary to democratic practices.
He said political parties that chose to boycott the exercise lacked, adding that “The people of Edo State have consistently demonstrated their faith in the APC. In 2024, despite being in opposition, we defeated the PDP and the Obaseki administration in the governorship election.
He extended a hand of fellowship to those who did not win the election saying, “Elections come and go, but the development of Edo State is a shared responsibility. The time for political contests is over; the time for unity, reconciliation, and collective progress has begun. We invite all well-meaning Edo people to join hands with Governor Monday Okpebholo as we continue to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Edo State.”
