EDO BY-ELECTIONS: Gov Okpebholo Predicts APC Landslide, As PDP Members Defect in Droves

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‎Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised for a landslide victory in the forthcoming August 16 by-election, as high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to strengthen the party’s base.
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‎The governor made this assertion on Sunday at Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government headquarters, while receiving a fresh batch of PDP defectors into the APC, including Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere, a sitting member of the Edo State House of Assembly; former council chairman Hon. Peter Ekhator; Hon. Uwaifo; Hon. Christopher Igodalo, and hundreds of their supporters.
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‎Speaking to a jubilant crowd, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s grassroots connection and commitment to Edo’s development. “We are working for Edo because we are confirmed sons of the soil. We were not borrowed from anywhere. My mother and father are both Esan. I grew up here. My deputy is from here too,” he stated.
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‎He emphasized the administration’s developmental pace, contrasting it with the previous government’s tendency to only commence projects during election seasons. “We move from one project to another. We don’t wait until election time. That’s not how development works,” he said.
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‎Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence in delivering on his campaign promise to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating, “I can see it coming to reality today.”
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‎He further assured the people that the administration’s performance would soon become a benchmark of gratitude. “By the time we clock three years in office, I know Edo people will thank God for giving us this opportunity,” he said.
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‎Addressing the upcoming Ovia Federal Constituency by-election, the Governor vowed to return for the campaign, introducing the APC’s House of Representatives candidate as “madam projects” while referring to his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, as “Mr. Projects.”
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‎Other key dignitaries present included Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon. Ganiyu Audu, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, and former Deputy Governor Chief Lucky Imasuen.
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‎The defectors, led by Hon. Uzamere and Hon. Ekhator, pledged loyalty to the APC and attributed their defection to Governor Okpebholo’s leadership style and performance..
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