Following the Prof Julius Ihonvbere-panel report that pruned down the number of the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants for the Edo governorship election from 29 to 6, an Edo-based socio-political group, United For Greater Edo (UFGE), at the weekend said Hon Dennis Idahosa is the best to deliver victory for the party if he eventually emerges the party’s candidate.
The group led by Abel Aigbondion said Idahosa’s emergence among six aspirants from the pack of other notable contestants was also a clear pointer to his popularity and capability to bring in the votes for the APC.
Reports have it that the panel had short-listed Hon Dennis Idahosa, Senator Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central), a retired permanent secretary in the Federal Civil Service and Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe (Edo North).
Others are chairman of the APC, Rtd Col David Imuse (Edo Central), House of Representatives member, Hon Dennis Idahosa and former minister of Budget and Planning, Prince Clem Agba (Edo North).
The group while commending the Julius Ihonvbere-led screening panel for what it described as a thorough exercise noted that the APC must ensure that “the party is united before, during and after the primaries for the bigger battle ahead of rescuing the state from the suffocating grip of the Obaseki-led PDP.”
They noted that the aspiration of Hon Dennis Idahosa is divine and will bring about a positive change in the governance of the state adding that his political trajectory points to the fact that the experienced and popular federal lawmaker has written his name in gold as far as the politics of Edo state is concerned.
They also appealed to the leadership and members of the party to rally round the aspiration of Idahosa at the forthcoming primaries.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the convener of the group said Idahosa has demonstrated capacity, political sagacity and experience to bring in the votes for the APC.
“We are very much impressed with what he has been able to achieve in Ovia within a limited period and urge him to continue in that direction,” he said.
