The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress said its big win in the local government election shows the party is ready for the 2027 general election.
The state APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, shared this at the party secretariat while talking to journalists about the election results.
Tenebe mentioned that the party got 2,158,600 votes and is prepared to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He praised the way the local government election was conducted. He also pointed out that the new chairmen and councillors will not be sworn in until September. This is when the current officials’ tenure ends, following the rules about local government elections and swearing-in.
Tenebe criticized some opposition parties for questioning the election process. He said that under Governor Monday Okpebholo, the democratic space has expanded, as 11 opposition parties took part in the election, unlike in the previous administration.
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 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 mobilisation, and the unwavering support of the good people of Edo State.”
Tenebe reminded everyone that during former Governor Godwin Obaseki's time, the APC participated in local government elections even while in opposition. They faced intimidation and an unfair playing field.
He claimed that even though the party won in several local government areas, they were not allowed to take their victory. Instead, the administration quickly swore in its chosen candidates, going against democratic norms.
He added that political parties that chose to boycott the election had no valid reasons. He said, “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.”
Tenebe reached out to those who lost 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.”
Earlier, the chairmen-elect and councillors-elect received their certificates of return at the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission office.
Those who got their certificates include Osagie Osamudiamen (Orhionmwon), Iyoha Saturday (Esan North-East), Azamegbe Endurance (Igueben), Imafidon Augustine (Uhunmwode), Tega Amiegbehor (Esan South-East), Osawaru Eru (Ikpoba-Okha), Ebhodaghe Blessing (Esan West), Enahoro Aikpokpo (Owan West) and Vera Sadoh (Etsako Central).
Others are Akande Robert (Akoko-Edo), Omoike Aloaye (Etsako West), Iduseri Gabriel (Oredo), Osaro Eribo (Egor), Osarobo Anthony (Ovia South-West), Eriamiantoe Christopher (Ovia North-East), Sunny Ekpeson (Etsako East) and Abdullahi Momoh (Esan Central).
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