Adams Oshiomole, the former Governor of Edo State, congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on Monday for emerging as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
This congratulatory message comes one month after Dennis Idahosa, his alleged favoured candidate, lost to Okpebholo in the APC primary election held on February 22. Okpebholo secured victory with 12,433 votes, surpassing Idahosa, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, and nine other aspirants after a previous inconclusive poll.
Despite the outcome, Idahosa contested the result, alleging electoral malpractice and took the ruling party to court to challenge the purported loss of his mandate.
Recent reports indicated a replacement of Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who the Edo gubernatorial candidate initially announced as his running mate, with Idahosa. This change was announced during a stakeholders meeting attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Ganduje, and other prominent APC members.
Furthermore, the acting state chairman of the party, Jarret Tenebe, disclosed that both Okpebholo and Idahosa would be formally introduced to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Monday.
However, just 24 hours after Idahosa’s selection as the running mate, Oshiomhole issued a press statement through his senior aide, Victor Oshioke, in Abuja, congratulating Okpebholo on emerging as the APC’s gubernatorial flag bearer in Edo State.
In addition to his congratulatory message, the senator representing Edo North urged Okpebholo to reconcile differences and extend an olive branch to his fellow contestants and aggrieved stakeholders within the party in the state.
The statement read, “Dear Senator Monday Okpebholo, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved emergence as the flag bearer of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress, for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.
“Your victory in the closely contested primaries reflects the belief of our party members in your unwavering dedication and commitment to our party’s core values.
“As we embark on this crucial journey, I urge you to leave behind the intrigues of the primaries and extend a hand of fellowship to all those who contested with you for the ticket, as well as to all stakeholders of our party in the state.
“Together, we must forge a strong, united front that resonates with the electorate and secures victory in the governorship election on September 21, 2024.
“Your decision to choose Hon. Dennis Idahosa, as your running mate, demonstrates great wisdom and foresight. Your joint ticket presents the people of Edo State with the best option to usher in a dynamic, progressive, and responsive government that aligns with the aspirations of our vibrant youth population.
“I am confident in your leadership abilities and believe that, with the support of all APC members across the state, we can restore Edo State to the path of progressive governance, sustainable socioeconomic growth, and political inclusion in all its ramifications. Yours in the struggle for the rebirth of a greater Edo State that works for all.”
