The Action Alliance (AA) candidate, Prince Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, has stepped down from the Edo State September 21 governorship election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In a press briefing in Benin City, Iseghhi-Okojie stated that his decision was driven by the belief that leadership involves collaboration for the greater good rather than standing alone.
Okojie, accompanied by his running mate, Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu, and APC’s acting chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, expressed that through his campaign, he recognized the challenges and aspirations of the people. After hearing their frustrations and aspirations for a better future, he concluded that Edo deserves more than unkept promises and stagnation experienced in the past eight years.
“Today, I am making a pivotal decision that I believe is in the best interest of our state. I have chosen to step down from the gubernatorial race and collaborate with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Monday Okpevbolo”, Okojie said.
He mentioned that due to his belief that Edo could not endure another term of mismanagement, economic difficulties, and insecurity, he chose to abandon his ambition and collaborate with the APC to alter the situation.
He stated that the PDP had its chance, but unfortunately, it failed to bring about the progress required by our state. After thoughtful consideration, he recognized that partnering with the APC, led by Senator Okpevbolo, is the most favorable direction for the state.
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“Senator Monday Okpebholo may not be known for grand oratory, but leadership is about action, not rhetoric. History has shown us that great leaders—like Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln—were often criticized for their speaking styles, but their strength and vision led their nations through difficult times.
“Senator Okpevbolo embodies this kind of leadership. He may not dazzle crowds with flashy speeches, but he is strategic, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his people. Behind the scenes, he has proven to me that he is a leader who listens, gathers the right people, and makes tough decisions for the good of Edo State. He is not driven by ego or power but by a sincere desire to improve the lives of Edo people.
“The power of collaboration by stepping down and joining forces with APC, I am not abandoning my promise to the people. On the contrary, I am fulfilling it in the most effective way possible. Action Alliance brings with it a grassroots structure of 65,000 members, with the capacity to mobilize at least 500,000 votes.
“This collaboration ensures that we can win this election decisively and bring the real change that Edo so desperately needs. My role will be to support His Excellency Senator Monday Okpevbolo by managing media relations, countering unfair attacks, and ensuring that he can engage directly with the people—something he is fantastic at.”
The APC acting chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, stated that after eight years of PDP’s lackluster performance, the party decided to explore potential collaborations with other parties to establish a unity government. He mentioned that the AA candidate teaming up with the APC was part of these arrangements.
Tenebe emphasized that governance requires empathy, highlighting that individuals lacking empathy cannot effectively drive development forward.
