Okpebholo: APC’s growing influence will attract defections from PDP, LP

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo state, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become the preferred political platform for many Nigerians.

Okpebholo spoke on Saturday at an event held in his honour in Ewatto, Esan south LGA of the state, to celebrate the tribunal judgement affirming his election.

Okpebholo said the APC’s rising popularity is a reflection of its performance at both state and federal levels.

“A party that was rejected by all has now become the party that everybody wants to join. APC has come to stay as the government at the centre is APC,” he said.

“Very soon, there will be a lot of defections in the APC. People will move and cross carpet from PDP, LP and other opposition parties into the APC and that will be the beginning of south-south keying into the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Describing himself as a son of the president, Okpebholo said he carries “uncommon grace” and is committed to using it for the development of Edo state.

“Today, I am happy and proud to say that I am a son to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am also proud to say I carry uncommon grace and uncommon transformation which I am already using to transform and develop Edo state,” the governor said.

“Words that come out of my mouth are prophetic and I am using these words to develop Edo state. My administration is working to ensure motorable roads and reduce travelling time for our people.

“Our development is also covering other neighbouring states because south-south must speak with one voice as we approach 2027.

“I am not the talking type and never interested in politics, but really want to develop Edo state.

“In 2021, we looked for an Esan man who would contest for senate and we did not find anyone who wanted to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as everyone wanted to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The drive to contest came in 2022 when some people came to appeal to me to contest for the senate and our discussion became an eye opener which led me into contesting for the senate seat.”

The governor shared a personal story of how he lost a sister due to contaminated water, promising that his administration will prioritise potable water for all.

“I lost a beloved sister due to bad water which she consumed and I vowed to ensure good water is available across the state,” he said.

“I am really going to ensure good water runs in Edo state. Our development will not just be roads, schools, healthcare, providing the people with good drinking water across the state.”

The event was organised by Lemon Ikpea, a businessman and native of Esan land.