By Adedotun Ajayi

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As Edo State prepares for its gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its grand rally in Benin city, assuring the people of the State of greater development.

The event, the final major push before the September 21 election, drew an impressive crowd of supporters and paraded  prominent APC figures, including Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Several APC governors, including the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and other high-ranking officials converged on Edo to demonstrate unity and support for the party’s governorship candidate and his running mate.

Other governors present included Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi.

They all rallied the party faithful, urging them to secure victory for the APC on election day.

Vice President Shettima, in his address, expressed confidence in the APC candidate, highlighting his strong connection to the grassroots and his deep understanding of governance.

“Edo needs a compassionate leader, someone who will listen to the people and address their needs. A great leader is one who inspires progress,” Shettima stated.

Shettima emphasized the importance of peace during the election, urging Edo citizens to exercise their mandate by bringing the state into the mainstream of Nigerian politics under APC leadership.

He also noted the president’s efforts to improve state allocations and promote development nationwide, encouraging Edo residents to vote for progress and stability.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also addressed the rally, stating that Edo is ready to take the right path with the APC.

The state’s APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, promised to deliver quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure if elected. He pledged to empower farmers, market women, and youth, and vowed to employ over 5,000 teachers within his first 100 days in office.

The Director -General of the Edo APC Campaign Council, Matthew Urhoghide, criticized the current PDP administration for its failures over the past eight years. He described the large turnout at the rally as evidence of the people’s desire for change and urged them to vote for the APC on election day.

The National Campaign Council Chairman, Bassey Otu, echoed the call for change, stating that only those who understand Edo’s problems can provide the solutions. He encouraged voters to stand firm with their mandate and ensure APC’s victory.

Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole also addressed the crowd, drawing attention to the deteriorating conditions in Edo’s markets and the prevalence of flooding in the state. He assured the people that the APC candidate would rescue the state from mismanagement and restore Edo’s fortunes.

In his closing remarks, APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed confidence in the party’s victory, calling the rally’s massive turnout a sign of impending success. He stressed that development, modern infrastructure, and prosperity could only be achieved through the election of Okpebholo as governor.