Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has stressed the need for cohesion among all members of the All Progressives Congress to close ranks and work together to develop the state.
He made the call at a new year party organised for Edo South leaders of the party held at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, yesterday.
Idahosa who appreciated all members of the party for their unity, collaboration and support in ensuring the party won the September 21 governorship election in Edo State urged them to be more united now than ever to enable Governor Monday Okpebholo develop the state.
He noted that Governor Okpebholo was absent from the gathering as he was attending to other pressing state matters but sent his message of appreciation to all party members.
“The reason for this meeting is to bring all the political actors together in oneness and unity. God has been faithful to the APC in 2024 as the party unseated the then incumbent party in the State winning the Governorship election. God answered our prayers and we all have to be united going forward in 2025”, he said.
The deputy governor acknowledged some pockets of division in the party but called on all aggrieved members to come together in unity to support the Okpebholo-led administration to bring the dividends of democracy to Edo people.
“There are pockets of division across the State but it is high time we do away with the grievances and come together in unison to move the party and State forward. Edo South should take the lead in terms of uniting the party”, he urged.
Idahosa appealed to members that they should allow the meeting bring to an end every faction in the party as the party needs unity to grow and develop the State.
He said; “This is the time to come together and be united in all we do across the State especially in the seven Local Governments area in Edo South. I appeal to us all to be united to build a strong party and a strong State.
“We have to be united to promote this administration led by Senator Monday Okpebholo, ensuring that he delivers on his electioneering promises to the people”.
The former deputy governor of the State and leader of the party in Edo South, Lucky Imasuen urged all party supporters to embrace unity as it is needed to develop the State to the benefit of all Edo people.
“Let’s not be part of those who will want to cause confusion in the party but rather come together and work with one mind to develop the party and the State so that Edo people will benefit from the leadership style of Senator Monday Okpebholo”.
A former Governorship candidate of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu said the party no longer has room for those causing disunity rather only those ready to support the administration to ensure it succeeds