Ahead of the forthcoming Edo State governorship election slated for September 21, 2024, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has witnessed a significant development as at least 30 leaders from Edo South Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama as the running mate to the party’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
This endorsement came during a crucial meeting held in Abuja, attended by prominent former governorship aspirants and key stakeholders hailing from the senatorial district. Notable figures present at the gathering included Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, General Charles Airhiavbere (retd), Lucky Imasuen, and Senator Matthew Urhoghide, among others.
Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives and a respected political figure from Edo South, recently made the transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. His defection, along with thousands of supporters and PDP Party leaders from the senatorial zone, marks a significant shift in the political landscape.
Sources indicate that Ogbeide-Ihama’s move to the APC, coupled with the endorsement by leaders from Edo South, holds the potential to secure a crucial victory for the APC in the upcoming polls. Speaking on behalf of the leaders present at the meeting, it was emphasized that the unity among major leaders from Edo South is unprecedented and will be instrumental in securing victory for the APC in the senatorial district.
According to one of the leaders, the unity forged with Ogbeide-Ihama as the running mate and the backing of all APC leaders from Edo South signify a united front that will deliver the entire Benin zone to the APC for the first time. The leader emphasized that Ogbeide-Ihama’s entry into the APC brings along with it the support of numerous ward leaders and critical stakeholders from the PDP across the three senatorial districts in Edo State.
Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, expressed his full endorsement of the development, stating that the party is more united than ever as they approach the elections. He welcomed the move and expressed optimism about the prospects of emerging victorious in the governorship race.
“This unprecedented development and the endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama by APC leaders from Edo South signify our readiness for the upcoming elections. It’s a testament to the unity and strength of the APC family in Edo State,” Okpebholo remarked.
