Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has flagged off a grassroots door-to-door campaign in support of the All Progressives Congress candidate, Joe Ikpea, ahead of the August 16, 2025, senatorial by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District.
Speaking during the inauguration of the campaign team on Friday in Uromi, the governor urged youths to rally behind Ikpea, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming poll as a test of their political influence and commitment to the party’s success.
“This election is a major test for our youths to show results and political relevance,” Okpebholo said. “Don’t place your trust in candidates from other political parties. They failed our people when they had the opportunity.”
The governor praised the achievements recorded under his administration, contrasting them with the alleged neglect under previous governments.
“Edo is experiencing real development under our leadership,” he stated. “When light comes, darkness disappears. The past administration left Edo people in hardship — no roads, no schools, no electricity. But today, our efforts speak for themselves.”
He added that the APC is fully prepared to sweep all five local government areas in the senatorial district.
“We are not leaving anything to chance,” he declared. “We will win five out of five. This is part of our broader goal to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential elections.”
Also speaking at the event, the APC leader in Edo Central Senatorial District, retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe, called on party faithful and young people in the district to intensify efforts toward ensuring a resounding victory for the APC candidate.
“The time is now for us to mobilize every voter and win this election convincingly,” Esekhaigbe said.
The campaign launch signals the ruling party’s aggressive strategy in consolidating political dominance in the state ahead of future national elections.
