Edo APC hails LG poll, pledges 2.5 million votes for Tinubu

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

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

Tenebe said the party secured 2,158,600 votes, 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, adding that the elected chairmen and councillors would not be sworn in until September, when the tenure of the current occupants would expire, in line with the statutory provisions governing local government elections and inauguration.

He also criticised some opposition parties for questioning the exercise, saying the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo had broadened the democratic space, as 11 opposition parties participated in the election, unlike during the immediate past administration.

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 GCFR.

“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 party won in several local government councils, it was denied victory and that the administration hurriedly swore in its preferred candidates, contrary to democratic practices.

He added that political parties that chose to boycott the election lacked justification, saying, “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.”

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 who received their certificates of return include Osagie Osamudiamen (Orhionmwon), Iyoha Saturday (Esan North-East), Azamegbe Endurance (Igueben), Imafidon Augustine (Uhunmwode), Tega Amiegbehor (Esan South-East), Osawaru Eru (Ikpoba-Okha), Ebhodaghe Blessing (Esan West), Enahoro Aikpokpo (Owan West) and Vera Sadoh (Etsako Central).

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