Why Oshiomhole and Obi Are Leading Governorship Campaigns Ahead of Crucial Edo Poll

In the lead-up to the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, two political heavyweights, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Mr. Peter Obi, are spearheading campaigns for their respective parties. Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, are intensifying efforts to secure victory for their candidates.

Party insiders revealed that the strategic involvement of Oshiomhole and Obi underscores the high stakes of the election, aimed at unseating the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration. Governor Godwin Obaseki, representing PDP, has endorsed Dr. Asue Ighodalo as his successor, making the election a fiercely contested battle.

To strengthen their grassroots influence across Edo’s 192 wards, Oshiomhole and Obi have been mobilizing support for their candidates, Senator Monday Okpebholo of APC and Olumide Akpata of LP. This move is crucial as 16 political parties vie for the governorship seat.

During the weekend, Oshiomhole and Obi were in Benin to launch their campaign councils. Oshiomhole, who also represents Edo North Senatorial District and is the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized the need for peaceful and genuine change in Edo at the APC campaign council inauguration. He assured that with robust support from the electorate, APC’s Okpebholo would emerge victorious.

As chairman of the 264-member APC campaign council, Oshiomhole called on members to secure victories at their units, wards, and local governments. He stressed that APC would achieve its goals through democratic means, eschewing any form of electoral malpractice.

Oshiomhole and Obi’s active participation in the campaigns highlights the critical importance of the upcoming election, as they seek to galvanize their parties towards a successful outcome in Edo State.