APC Campaign Train Records Massive Turn Out In Egor Despite Edo Gov’t Denial Of Initial Venue
By Editor
The Edo State government on Thursday stopped the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, from campaigning at the Nigeria Police Barracks in Ogida, Benin City.
The APC’s Campaign Council had paid for and arranged the venue in Egor Local Government Area but was later denied access by the government, which claimed the premises would be used by the state-sponsored Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV), a paramilitary agency.
Hon. Crosby Eribo, a former State Assembly member, intervened by offering an alternative venue at his family’s estate on Edo Textile Mill Road, allowing the rally to proceed. Despite being out of the country, and at short notice, Eribo swiftly approved the use of the space.
The rally drew a massive crowd and featured key party leaders including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Deputy Governors Lucky Imasuen and Pius Odubu, serving Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu, acting State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and Campaign Council Director-General Matthew Urhoghide. Senator Okpebholo and his running mate Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa were also present.
Senator Urhoghide urged Edo South Senatorial District voters to support the APC, assuring them that Okpebholo would not disappoint if elected. Pius Odubu criticized the outgoing PDP government under Governor Godwin Obaseki, calling it “wicked” and urging voters to reject the PDP in the September 21st election. He also condemned the governor for not inaugurating 14 elected lawmakers, including Eribo, in 2019.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu also criticized the Obaseki administration, warning against allowing Obaseki to appoint a successor. He endorsed Okpebholo as the candidate who would bring needed change. Oshiomhole and Shaibu also rallied support for the APC, emphasizing the need to end the PDP’s “oppressive” rule, with Oshiomhole urging voters to elect the APC on September 21st to end what he called a “wicked” government.