APC’s big guns storm Benin: Shettima, Akpabio rally support for Okpebholo
Shettima raising up APC candidate’s hand
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Jethro Ibileke
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday urged the people of Edo State to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in next Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Shettima made the appeal while leading a high-profile delegation of top party leaders to Benin, the Edo capital, for the grand finale campaign rally in support of the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The rally, attended by a large crowd of APC supporters, featured Shettima alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and state governors from across the six geopolitical zones.
In his address, Shettima praised Okpebholo as a seasoned leader with a proven track record and the right person to advance Edo State. He assured the people of Edo of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the incoming administration’s development efforts.
Shettima highlighted that the increased allocation to states would provide the necessary resources for developmental projects. He acknowledged the state’s challenges and emphasized the importance of unity and peace in achieving progress.
“Signing the peace accord without hesitation shows our dedication to putting the interests of Edo State above all else. We will work tirelessly to ensure that Edo State receives the support it deserves. I understand the struggles of Edo State and am committed to being part of the solution,” Shettima said.
- Shettima unveils $4.8bn healthcare investment
- We won’t abandon displaced persons – Shettima
- Gwoza suicide bombings: Death toll now 32 – Shettima
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje urged voters to support the APC candidate, declaring that “the clouds of intimidation have lifted, and the ground is now fertile for our party’s vision to flourish. Edo State has become a symbol of literary and economic resurgence.”
Ganduje praised the state’s party leadership, stating, “Your commitment to our party is unwavering, and we acknowledge your tireless efforts.”
Senator Monday Okpebholo, after receiving the APC flag, vowed to revive the state’s economy. He criticized the eight years of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure, asserting that voting out the PDP was essential for change.
“Our mumu don do, show this by voting for the APC. We are voting for education, security, social infrastructure, good healthcare services, and agriculture. We will provide loans for farmers and soft loans for market women,” Okpebholo said.
He promised to employ 10,000 teachers, with half of them hired within the first 100 days in office. Okpebholo also pledged to declare a state of emergency on infrastructure, criticizing the poor state of roads in Edo.
Other notable figures at the rally included Senate President Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Bassey Ottu of Cross River, who serves as the chairman of the national governorship campaign council for the state election.
