EDO APC TARGETS 2.5M TINUBU VOTES AFTER LG POLL WIN

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Monday said its overwhelming victory in the local government election demonstrated that the party was well-positioned for the 2027 general election.

The state APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, stated this at the party secretariat while briefing journalists on the outcome of the council poll.

Tenebe said the party garnered 2,158,600 votes in the council poll, adding that it was ready to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

He lauded the conduct of the local government election, noting that the elected chairmen and councillors would not be sworn in until September, when the tenure of the current officeholders would expire, in line with statutory provisions governing local government elections and inaugurations.

He also criticised opposition parties that questioned the credibility of the exercise, arguing that, unlike the immediate past administration, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s government had expanded the democratic space by allowing 11 opposition parties to participate in the election.

He said, “The APC secured 2,158,600 votes, an overwhelming mandate that is a clear expression of the confidence the people of Edo State have reposed in our great party, the leadership of Monday Okpebholo and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This resounding victory did not come by chance. It is the product of hard work, purposeful leadership, effective grassroots mobilisation and the unwavering support of the good people of Edo State.”

Tenebe recalled that during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, the APC, despite being in opposition and facing intimidation, harassment and an uneven playing field, participated in the local government elections.

He alleged that although the APC won in several local government councils, it was denied victory, while the administration hurriedly swore in its preferred candidates in a manner he said was contrary to democratic principles.

He also criticised political parties that boycotted the election, saying they lacked the moral authority to question its outcome.

“The people of Edo State have consistently demonstrated their faith in the APC. In 2024, despite being in opposition, we defeated the PDP and the Obaseki administration in the governorship election,” he said.

Tenebe extended a hand of fellowship to those who lost the election, saying, “Elections come and go, but the development of Edo State is a shared responsibility.

“The time for political contests is over; the time for unity, reconciliation and collective progress has begun.

“We invite all well-meaning Edo people to join hands with Governor Monday Okpebholo as we continue to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Edo State.”

Earlier, the chairmen-elect and councillors-elect received their certificates of return at the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission office.

Those presented with certificates included Osagie Osamudiamen (Orhionmwon), Saturday Iyoha (Esan North East), Azamegbe Endurance (Igueben), Augustine Imafidon (Uhunmwode), Tega Amiegbehor (Esan South East), Osawaru Eru (Ikpoba-Okha), Blessing Ebhodaghe (Esan West), Enahoro Aikpokpo (Owan West) and Vera Sadoh (Etsako Central).

Others were Robert Akande (Akoko-Edo), Aloaye Omoike (Etsako West), Gabriel Iduseri (Oredo), Osaro Eribo (Egor), Osarobo Anthony (Ovia South West), Christopher Eriamiantoe (Ovia North East), Sunny Ekpeson (Etsako East) and Abdullahi Momoh (Esan Central).