The flag-off of the APC Governorship Campaign in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State was nearly derailed on Thursday, as the party was unexpectedly denied access to the Nigeria Police Barracks in Ogida, Benin City—a venue that had already been booked and paid for.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a surprising turn of events, the venue was reportedly handed over to the state-sponsored Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV), a paramilitary group, casting doubt on the rally’s prospects.
Amid growing uncertainty and mounting frustration among party members, it was Hon. Crosby Eribo, a former State Assembly member, who emerged as the unlikely savior of the day.
Though he was out of the country, Eribo quickly offered an alternative venue on his family’s estate on Edo Textile Mill Road, ensuring that the rally would go on as planned. Eribo’s swift approval of the use of his estate not only saved the day but also underscored his unwavering commitment to the party’s cause, even from afar.
The rally, which initially seemed doomed, turned out to be a grand success, drawing an immense crowd of supporters.
Party heavyweights, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Deputy Governors Lucky Imasuen and Pius Odubu, and serving Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu, graced the event.
The acting State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and the Campaign Council Director-General Matthew Urhoghide, alongside the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, were also present to rally the faithful.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Senator Urhoghide passionately called on voters in the Edo South Senatorial District to throw their weight behind the APC, promising that Okpebholo would deliver on his campaign promises.
Pius Odubu, in a fiery speech, lambasted the outgoing PDP government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, labeling it as “wicked” and urging the electorate to reject the PDP in the upcoming September 21st election.
He also took the opportunity to remind voters of the 14 elected lawmakers, including Eribo, who were not inaugurated in 2019 under Obaseki’s administration.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for change and warning against allowing Governor Obaseki to handpick a successor.
As the rally culminated, Oshiomhole and Shaibu made impassioned pleas to end what they described as the PDP’s oppressive rule, with Oshiomhole calling the September 21st election a pivotal moment to put an end to what he termed a “wicked” government.