The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has advised the newly elected Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebhulo, to prioritize governance over probing his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki. Ganduje offered this counsel during Okpebhulo’s formal thank-you visit to the National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday.
Ganduje emphasized, “The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side. You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from. There is no need. A progressive government does not have time for that. Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced. Follow it to the letter with the socio-economic development of the people, build bridges, and establish good relationships with the stakeholders.”
He encouraged Okpebhulo to embrace his role as an action governor, stating, “During the campaigns, you were an action candidate, and now you are an action governor. We believe it. We believe you will succeed and make the people of our winning state proud.”
Ganduje assured Okpebhulo of the party’s support, stressing the importance of maintaining functional and habitable party offices at all levels. He also announced the establishment of a progressive institute, the intellectual wing of the party, designed to train personnel, especially at the local government level, and to help formulate a political agenda that meets the demands of the Nigerian people.
In his remarks, Okpebhulo expressed gratitude to Ganduje for his dedication to the party’s success, acknowledging the challenges faced during the election campaign. He stated, “It wasn’t an easy one. I know how many times the chairman called me. He would say, ‘How are you prepared? I want to be in Edo five days before the election.’ Yes, he came to the state. He was there, and everybody knew he came, and his impact was great.”
Okpebhulo also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support in securing victory in Edo State, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere on election day. He celebrated the election results, declaring, “For me, the victory is something we in Edo State rejoice about because a new dawn has come to the Edo people. A new dawn has risen.”
He concluded by thanking the National Working Committee for their efforts and prayed for their continued prosperity and longevity.
