As the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024 approaches, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has been cautioned against employing tribal tactics in his campaign.
The Edo People For Good Governance issued a stern warning to Okpebholo, urging him to shift his focus from ethnic identity to addressing the state’s pressing issues. This caution was highlighted in a statement released on Friday, August 23, and signed by the group’s convener, Bright Omorodion.
The group expressed deep concern over Okpebholo’s repeated emphasis on his Esan ethnicity, arguing that such divisive rhetoric is inappropriate for a gubernatorial candidate. They stressed that Edo State, known for its rich cultural diversity and long-standing tradition of unity, should not be subjected to tactics that could sow discord among its people.
“Edo State is a land of rich cultural diversity, where different ethnic groups have coexisted peacefully for generations. It is disheartening to see a candidate who seeks to lead this great state resorting to tactics that have the potential to divide our people,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that Edo’s tradition of unity should be preserved, warning that tribal narratives could undermine this legacy. They also highlighted that Edo is not like Lagos, where tribal politics have unfortunately gained ground in the past.
Voters were urged to reject any candidate who exploits ethnic differences for political gain and to consider the competence, character, and track record of the candidates. “We encourage all Edo voters to carefully consider the competence, character, and track record of the candidates. Let us vote for a leader who will unite us and move our state forward. Edo State deserves nothing less,” the statement concluded.