Senator Monday Okpebholo’s Advantages in Edo2024 Governorship Election

By: Osehobo Ofure Victor

There is no doubting the fact that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate is a strong contender, favored to win the forthcoming September 2024 Edo state governorship elections. The reasons speak, loud and clear. First, Senator Okpebholo is not a newbie in Edo politics. The man is already a brand with a history of success in the first elections he ever contested. He won a seat in the Senate for Edo Central, a district that is not traditionally APC-friendly. This victory demonstrated his ability to appeal to a broad range of voters and break through political barriers.

Second, Senator Okpebholo is the product of a united Edo APC family. The party in Edo right now is known for its close-knit community of enthusiastic and committed leadership and members who are eager for change in the state’s governance. Very importantly and key to the Senator’s chances is the choice of the very formidable two term Representative for Ovia federal at the National Assembly, the Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa as his running mate. The combination is likely to translate into strong support and for Okpebholo’s campaign in the run up to the elections.

Thirdly, the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu and the National leadership, have expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the governorship election and have pledged their support. This high-level backing is particularly significant given that the APC is the party in power at the national level. Edo people are desirous of aligning with the party at the center as opposition has left the state decapitated under the PDP tattered umbrella. So in Okpebholo, they see a New Edo aligned with the center. This support is expected to significantly boost Okpebholo’s campaign and increase his visibility among voters.

Fourthly, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s reputation as a homeboy, born and bred in Edo state, is a significant advantage. He has first hand knowledge and experience of the challenges facing the state. His humble beginnings and rise to the top through hard work certainly will endear him to voters who value determination and perseverance. Okpebholo’s synergy with the party leadership at all levels is also likely to increase his electability.

Fifthly, Okpebholo’s campaign is centered around creating a New Edo, as mentioned earlier. This message is particularly appealing to Edo voters who have been disappointed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government’s management of the state’s resources and governance. The PDP government has been criticized for entering into several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and undertaking numerous white elephant projects that have left the state with significant debts, both local and foreign. Okpebholo’s reputation as a successful businessman who has built his success through hard work and innovation is appealing to voters who are looking for fresh air around Osadebey Avenue, the seat of power in the state.

Let me also add that one of the primary focuses of Okpebholo’s campaign when running for the Senate seat last year was to change the narrative around infrastructure deficit in Edo Central. As governorship candidate, he has renewed this pledge and it is to prioritize infrastructure development across the state, with the aim of improving the quality of life for residents by ensuring security and safety of lives, attracting investment and creating jobs for the youths.

Senator Okpebholo is also committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. He has emphasized the importance of utilizing public funds efficiently and ensuring that they are used for the benefit of the people. This commitment to transparency and accountability is one that appeals to many an Edo voter, who are concerned about the wanton corruption and mismanagement of public resources in the state today.

In addition to these policies, Okpebholo plan to focus on promoting the welfare of children, empowering women and the youths in Edo state. He has pledged to prioritize their needs and ensure that they have a voice in the governance of the state. This message is already resonating with voters who are looking for a candidate, who is not a stooge or a godson but one who understands their needs and priorities. That candidate is Senator Monday Okpebholo!

Osehobo, a veteran journalist is Assistant State Publicity Secretary, Edo State APC