Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Dennis Idahosa, has described the August 16 Ovia federal constituency bye-election as a litmus test for the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Idahosa stated this on Sunday during the party’s campaign flag-off for the bye-election in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.
He urged party leaders and members to intensify mobilisation and canvassing efforts to ensure victory for the APC, stressing that unity and commitment were key to success.
“On the part of the government, Gov. Monday Okpebholo has embarked on infrastructural transformation of the federal constituency to make life more meaningful for the people,” he said.
Addressing residents of Siluko Ward, Idahosa noted that the community, aside from its large population, was one of the gateways into Edo, making it strategic for development.
He added that the best way to support the governor’s development agenda was to work for the APC’s victory in Saturday’s poll.
“Saturday’s bye-election is to show our preparedness for the 2027 general elections. I want it to be a 100 per cent win for the APC.
“Be reminded that all the good things that have come to Siluko ward were facilitated by the APC government.
“We are not taking this election for granted. When you get home, tell your family and neighbours that APC is one way, vote for Omosede Igbinedion, the only female candidate for the National Assembly from Edo state,” he said.
On her part, Omosede Igbinedion, the party’s candidate for the poll, described the deputy governor as a grassroot politician who had worked for the transformation of the federal constituency.
She appealed to the people not to relent on their support for the deputy governor, as well as the APC for more infrastructural development.
“Even in the cause of these campaigns, he (Idahosa) has brought some more projects to our communities.
“With your votes on Saturday, I am going to complement his efforts in Abuja for the total transformation of our constituency,” she promised.
Similarly, Sen. Neda Imasuen asserted that as a second term member of the House, Igbinedion would be able to identify lapses she made in her first term and correct them and influence projects for the betterment of her constituents.
The council chairman, Nosakhare Edobo, said that the governor had shown commitment to the people to deserve their support.