Winner of last Saturday’s All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Primary Election in Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo has received his Certificate of Return from The national leadership of the party.
Presenting the certificate to the candidate, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said the party is on its way to winning the election because it has produced a sellable candidate.
Ganduje said; “Three aspirants were declared as ‘candidates’. That process was not concluded and I asked the Committee to go back. Coincidentally, the chairman of the Committee had a presentation to make at the National Economic Council and that was why he could not go back to conclude the exercise. That was why his deputy, Governor of Cross Rivers State became the new chairman.
“I am happy to tell you that as we directed, as we monitored, the Direct Primaries took place in 192 wards. We have the record, the results were collated in each local government and the results are with us. The results were announced after collation. As a result, Senator Okpebholo scored the highest votes and therefore declared the winner.
“Some of the aspirants came forward to congratulate him. Those who couldn’t, from the report, we heard, they also called his line.
“What is important to us is to win Edo state. We knew what happened in the past, but now we are in the way to win that election, because we believe that we have a product who is sellable, refined, well packaged, a product that we can deliver.”
Okpebholo in his acceptance speech, paid glowing tributes to President Bola Tinubu, National Chairman of the ruling party, Abdullahi Ganduje, APC leader in Edo, Adams Oshiomhole, and Edo people for standing on the side of equity and justice.
The senator said; “Primaries have been won and lost. It is time to begin the real process of saving Edo State from the hands of clueless leaders who have failed to meet the expectations of the people.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in ensuring a level-playing field is something I treasure. I want to also appreciate the National Chairman of the APC and other members of the National Working Committee NWC for standing with the people of Edo State.
“My colleagues in the Senate, especially the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, other aspirants who stepped down for me, APC leaders in Edo State, Edo people who joined in the clamour for a free and fair process, I appreciate you all.
“To my leader, Adams Oshiomhole, I appreciate your guidance over the years. Despite the differences, you remain my leader and I know that you will lead the way that will earn us victory in September.
“In the coming days, we will speak more on developments and carry our people along on a list of things we intend to do that will rescue Edo State from the present quagmire. We deserve better and we will get a better deal”.
