BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the electorate in Edo State have sent a clear message on the governance direction of the state – a progressive one which puts the people’s welfare and interests first.

The APC said that as a party, I would not take the overwhelming support for granted, adding that it is deeply humbled by the massive turnout, and support the good people of Edo state extended to the Party’s National Campaign Council during Saturday’s campaign flag-off of its governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and running mate, Gani Audu ahead of the September 19, governorship election in the state.

The Party particularly thanked the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for the very warm reception and hospitality His Royal Highness extended to the APC leaders during the courtesy visit to the Palace.

It prayed the Almighty God to continue to grant the revered Oba of Benin the wisdom to guide the good people of Edo State on the right and progressive path.

A statement by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena noted that President Muhammadu Buhari in endorsing the APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu charged the APC leadership to prosecute and win the Edo State governorship election using all legal and constitutional means by avoiding the pitfalls that affected the party’s victory in Rivers, Zamfara and Bayelsa states during and after the 2019 elections. According to the APC; “This we intend to achieve with the new and positive party disposition under the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker Committee.

“We congratulate the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker Committee for successfully bringing together party ranks as a repositioned, united and happy family in total support of the APC governorship candidate. Going forward, the task before us is to collectively showcase our evident people-focused development records to the good people of Edo state.

“As articulated in Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s six-point ‘SIMPLE agenda’ that stands for Security, Infrastructural development, Manpower development, Public Private Partnership, Leadership and Employment creation, the APC campaign will be issue-based and devoid of the do-or-die rhetoric and scare tactics the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is deploying ahead of the September 19 governorship election.

“We stand with the good people of Edo state that votes must count and the will of the Edo electorate must prevail,” APC assured.