Gov Ododo Leads APC Mobilization Ahead of Edo Election
By Patience Ikpeme
As the countdown to the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election intensifies, political activities reached a fever pitch last weekend.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, played a pivotal role in drumming up support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as part of the party’s final push to secure a victory.
The campaign kicked off in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, where Governor Ododo, alongside other APC governors and leaders, was warmly received. Igarra, a community that shares deep cultural and linguistic ties with the Ebira people of Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ekiti, and the Federal Capital Territory, welcomed Ododo like a “son-governor from another mother.” The Igarras, whose dialect closely resembles that of the Ebira, came out in droves to support the campaign and show solidarity with Governor Ododo, who is seen as one of their own.
The governor’s presence electrified the youth rally held in Igarra, where thousands gathered to demonstrate their support for Senator Okpebholo. Ododo’s influence extended far beyond the rally, as his presence in Edo was felt throughout the state, from Lampese to Auchi, Afuze, and Benin City, where he led a series of strategic meetings and community engagements.
Upon leaving Igarra, Governor Ododo proceeded to the Edo State capital, Benin City, to host key APC leaders and governors ahead of the mega rally at the University of Benin Sports Complex in Ugbowo. As the Director of Youth Mobilization for the Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Ododo’s efforts in mobilizing the youth for the event were widely praised. He spent the entire night meeting with different groups to fine-tune strategic plans for the rally and ensure its success.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was the special guest at the rally, arrived at the Benin airport, where Governor Ododo received him. The two leaders then paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, underscoring the importance of traditional institutions in the political process.
Governor Ododo’s youth mobilization efforts received commendation from Vice President Shettima, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other governors and party leaders. They expressed admiration for the groundwork laid by Ododo, which contributed significantly to the success of the rally. His dedication to the APC and its candidate was seen as a continuation of the legacy of his predecessor, Governor Yahaya Bello, known for his loyalty to the party.
Throughout the weekend, Governor Ododo made multiple stops across Edo State, including meetings with non-indigenous communities such as Igbo traders and Kogi state indigenes living in Edo. His message to support the APC and Senator Okpebholo was delivered with passion and clarity, resonating with the diverse groups he encountered.
As the final days of the campaign approach, the APC is riding on a wave of optimism. Political analysts have pointed to the strong youth turnout and the momentum behind the party, bolstered by Governor Ododo’s tireless efforts. With the odds appearing to favor Senator Okpebholo, many expect a competitive race on September 21, 2024.
Governor Ododo’s involvement in the Edo governorship election serves as a testament to the growing influence of younger leaders in Nigerian politics, and his work in Edo reflects his unwavering commitment to the APC’s success. As the race comes to a close, all eyes are on Edo, with hopes high for a favorable outcome for the ruling party.
