The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally declared its full support for the recent statement issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo, in which he cautioned Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, against entering Edo State without proper security clearance.
During a press briefing held on Saturday, Jarrett Tenebe, the state chairman of the APC, publicly backed the governor’s position while addressing journalists shortly after the unveiling of Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion as the party’s official candidates for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, respectively.
Tenebe emphasized that the APC is fully behind Governor Okpebholo’s concern over security matters in the state, particularly in light of a previous visit by Peter Obi that allegedly resulted in the death of three individuals. He stressed that the safety and security of residents remain the state government’s top priority.
In his words: “The party also believes that the governor was right warning Peter Obi to get security clearance before coming into the state because of the opinion people have about Obi in the state especially when the last time he came here, three people were killed.”
Further addressing political developments in the state, Tenebe assured the public that the APC would not take anything for granted in the upcoming election season. He stated that despite winning the 2024 governorship election, the party plans to approach the campaign trail with renewed energy and commitment.
“Now that we have our candidates, we will hit the ground running, we are going to campaign as if we have never won elections in this state. We want to let the people know that we actually won the last governorship election,” Tenebe declared.
The APC leadership reiterated its readiness to conduct vigorous and grassroots-focused campaigns to ensure victory for its candidates, reinforcing confidence among party supporters ahead of the next electoral cycle.