Ahead of the September governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has settled for former chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama as running mate.
The decision was taken at a meeting in Abuja on Thursday night. No fewer than
30 All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from Edo South Senatorial District endorsed the former member of the House of Representatives. Also in attendance were top former governorship aspirants and other critical stakeholders from Edo South.
Among those present at the meeting were Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, General Charles Airhiavbere (retd), Lucky Imasuen, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, among others.
Findings revealed that the party leaders settled for Ogbeide-Ihama, an ally of Dan Orbih-led faction of the PDP in Edo South.
A source told Saturday Tribune that “he is moving into the APC with thousands of supporters and PDP Party leaders from the senatorial zone.”
The source who was privy to the meeting noted that “major leaders from Edo South have never been this united before. That is why victory has been very elusive for the APC in the senatorial district. We’ve now settled that issue.
“With Ogbeide-Ihama as the running mate to Senator Okpebholo and all APC leaders from Edo South have formed a united front, we’ll deliver the entire Benin zone to the APC for the first time. This time around, there are no cracks in the party in Edo South.
“Ogbeide-Ihama is coming into APC with all the ward leaders of the PDP in Edo South and across the three senatorial districts in Edo State. It means 18 factional chairmen of the the PDP in Edo State, 192 Ward chairmen and other critical stakeholders are going to work for the success of APC in Edo State.
“You know the calibre of people who are members of the faction of the PDP in Edo State. The PDP in Edo State is strong because of them and with their united support, it’s a game changer and victory is assured for our candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
ALSO READ: Reps will amend laws to encourage direct foreign investments — Kalu
“This is the first time something like this is happening and we’ll build on the momentum to ensure that we win the elections in September. It’s game over for the PDP in Edo State, even before the main elections.”
The APC governorship candidate, Senator Okpebholo, confirmed the development at a session with journalists.
Okpebholo said APC is going into the elections more united than ever and expressed optimism that he will emerge as the next governor of Edo State.
“I fully welcome the development and endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama by leaders of APC from Edo South. This is the first time something of this nature will happen and it shows that the APC family in Edo State is fully ready to go into this election,” Okpebholo said.