The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress inaugurated its Campaign Council on Friday evening in preparation for the upcoming September 21st governorship election.
The party promised victory and encouraged all members to consider themselves as part of the Council.
During the inauguration, former governor and chairman of the Campaign Council, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, emphasized the importance of hard work and unity within the party. He stated that titles are irrelevant and every member should work diligently to secure votes in their units and wards, asserting, “every member is a canvasser.” He added, “If it requires me to take the role of a sweeper, I will sweep Senator Monday Okpebholo into office as governor.”
The Director General of the Campaign Council, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, also spoke at the event. He expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign and acknowledged the challenge of defeating the incumbent government. He urged party members to resolve any internal differences and work together for a common victory.
Earlier, APC State Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe paid homage to past governors who have made significant contributions to the state, including late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Prof. Ambrose Alli, and Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
However, shortly after the inauguration, a notable APC chieftain and the Director of Communication and Media of the APC 2020 Governorship Campaign Council, John Mayaki, announced that he would not support the party’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming election. Speaking at a media roundtable in Benin City, Mayaki emphasized that the election should prioritize the competence of the candidates over party loyalty.
In a statement titled “2024 Governorship Election: Party Supremacy, Competence, and the Future of Edo State,” Mayaki said, “My candidate is the man we can all trust. The man who has networks and connections both home and abroad. The man with ‘moral’ or ethical reputation, not a novice to the governance system. This man is not of the APC stock because irrespective of party supremacy, the future of Edo state is more supreme in my heart. My first commitment is to the state while the party is secondary.”
He further elaborated on the qualities he seeks in a candidate, saying, “Let’s not forget that the measure of a leader’s skills refers to the required leadership abilities, from the communicative to the managerial and cognitive. Does the leader know what to do as a leader at every point in time? Is he always available? Does he have vision and good understanding of what to do? If he does, does he have the required skills and political will to do same? I have assessed all the candidates and have come to the conclusion that the candidate I will campaign for has all these qualities in abundance.”
Mayaki called on the people of Edo State to support a candidate who has demonstrated competence and the ability to govern effectively, regardless of party affiliation. He stated, “For me therefore, I have made up my mind to commit myself to encouraging my numerous supporters across the state, especially in my local government area, ward, and unit, that they vote for the candidate who will best develop the state, regardless of political affiliation. I mean a man who has the carriage, clout and charisma befitting of a governor.”
Mayaki’s remarks highlighted his dissatisfaction with the APC’s choice of candidate and his commitment to supporting a leader who can truly advance the state’s interests.
