Projection emerged that the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Monday Okpebholo, popularly known as ‘Akpakomiza’ is likely to clinch the 2024 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Edo State.
The outcome of the independent opinion poll conducted by the Esan Alliance Movement (EAM) for all the governorship aspirants in the state, which results were available to journalists in Benin City on Thursday, showed the Edo Central APC Senator towered high above other aspirants.
Some of the contenders for the APC governorship ticket are Prince Clem Agba, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Hon Festus Ebea, Dr David Imuse, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor and Prince Kassim Afegbua, among others.
The poll, conducted by a team of data analysts, also took into cognisance the popularity and financial capability of the aspirants, their individual experience, acceptability, contribution to the party and issues of zoning.
A statement signed by the coordinator, Samson Okoduwa and Imade Osagie, said: “Our projection ahead of the Edo 2024 governorship primaries, the APC aspirant, Monday Okpebholo is expected to win the party primaries and eventually fly the party’s flag.
“The poll which also took into cognisance the strong agitation from the people of Edo central senatorial district to produce Obaseki’s successor also pointed to Okpebholo while Hon Festus Ebea and Col David Imuse came second and third respectively.
“The poll, which was conducted using a combination of phone surveys, questionnaires and influencers also looked at the spread of aspirants in winning the governorship election if given the party’s ticket.
“We also identify that youths who are more disposed to see a younger candidate emerged governor in the 2024 governorship race in Edo state.
“Conclusively, Okpebholo community service and contribution in strengthening the APC party in a zone considered to be a no go area for the APC when others had lost hope in the APC was a strong favouring factor.”
