Edo Gubernatorial Election: APC Launches 362-Member National Campaign Council

In preparation for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a 362-member National Campaign Council.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 reports that the inauguration took place on Saturday in Benin City, led by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State. The newly formed campaign council is structured into various sub-committees, including Finance, Mobilization, Youths, Women, and Strategy.

Governor Bassey Ottu of Cross River State will lead the council, with Lucky Aiyetadiwa, the Governor of Ondo State, serving as vice chairman. Ganduje tasked the council with the mission of reclaiming Edo State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming election.

Expressing enthusiasm over the recent defection of Philip Shaibu, the state deputy governor, to the APC, Ganduje noted that the party now enjoys significant support within the state government. He called on the campaign council to mobilize grassroots efforts and ensure robust local campaigning.

The APC is set to officially launch its campaign in Benin City, an event anticipated to be attended by President Bola Tinubu. Ganduje highlighted the development blueprint proposed by the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. He emphasized that their plan aims to enhance Edo State’s connection to the federal government and promote comprehensive development.

Ganduje also praised the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for fostering peace in the state and assured that the APC administration would respect the traditional institution.

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC’s governorship candidate, criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for increasing the state’s debt from approximately ₦43 billion in 2016 to over ₦500 billion. Okpebholo promised to restore infrastructure, education, and security in Edo State.

APC State Chairman Jarret Tenebe urged the national chairman to support their efforts to free the state from PDP control. Adams Oshiomhole, former governor and current senator representing Edo North, likened the event to a reunion of those misled by their former party and urged a comparison of APC and PDP governance.

Governor Bassey Ottu, in his closing remarks, committed to securing victory for the APC in the September 21 election.