A former governor of Edo State, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, and the South-South zonal secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbohmere, have joined the race for the party’s ticket ahead of the governorship election in the state.
The two aspirants who obtained the N50 million expression of interest and nomination form at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday, brought the total number of those jostling for the ticket to 10 so far.
Addressing journalists after picking his nomination forms, Prof Osunbor insisted that the forthcoming Edo governorship election is a must win for APC.
“For many of us, this coming election is a must win for Edo State APC. No impediment, no matter how contrived and from whatever source, can stop our great party APC from reclaiming Edo in 2024.
“The mistakes which made APC lose the state to PDP in 2020 must not be allowed to afflict us a second time. For APC as a party, Edo State is a low-hanging fruit.
We must not lose this opportunity to reclaim it with me as a candidate. My popularity and acceptability spread across the three senatorial districts of Edo State and even beyond APC.
“They want to see Edo State resources being used to develop the state and transform the lives of the people for the better. They are waiting to give me a resounding victory in the September 21 governorship election.
“They remember my excellent performance as governor for 17% months from 2007 to 2008 and want to see me back in Osadebe Avenue as governor — hence I have christened my manifesto: The rebirth of Edo for excellence,” he said.
On his part, Agbohmere pledged to re-engineer governance, build Edo Metropolitan Cities and establish Edo Construction Company among others if elected as governor of the state.
He said: “I want to build Edo Metropolis City 1 and 2 because Edo city currently is congested, as a result, house rent is very expensive for our people.
“Edo State has no reason to suffer when it comes to road networks. My administration will focus on the Edo Construction Company which will construct all the roads and provide services to other states, by doing so we can generate more income.
“I have a plan to make Edo State a tourism destination because you cannot go from South-west to another region without passing through Edo State.
“I am the best candidate among all the aspirants and with me winning Edo State will be made easy. I am an Asiwaju son, he loves me so much. I am his biggest fan in the South-south, in Edo State and the entire Niger Delta.”
