APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Thursday in Abuja advised the incoming Edo Governor, Senator Okpeboro, not to go after the administration of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Mr. Okpebolo gave this advice when he paid a courtesy visit to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), saying that when he takes office, he should instead focus on establishing good governance.
“The ideals of democracy were upheld, the elections were held, and we are on the winning side. We should not focus on the previous government.
“Looking forward, don’t look back, don’t waste time fighting with the people you inherit. Progressive governments don’t have time for that.
“Let us focus on the manifesto we have worked so hard to create and literally implement the socio-economic development of our people and build bridges.
Ganduje advised him to “build good relationships with stakeholders, think positively and be an active governor.”
He said that during the election period, Mr. Okpeboro was a candidate of action and now it was the action governorship election, adding that the APC believed that he would succeed and make Edo people proud.
Ganduje said the party was ready to support the next governor to fulfill his campaign promises, but that all party offices, from ward to local government to state level, are functional and physically habitable. He said there is a need to ensure that there is.
“We recently established the Progressive Institute, the intellectual arm of the party, to help train our staff.
“Please help us harness the demands of Nigerians to shape the political agenda of government, especially at the local government level,” the APC National Chairman said.
He said the agency will work throughout the year, not just during election periods, and will develop programs and projects to establish good governance.
Earlier, Okpebolo said it would not be easy to win the elections held on September 21, adding that Ganduje’s presence in Edo a few days before the elections was critical to the party’s success in the polls. He added that he played a vital role.
“It was not easy. I know how many times the Speaker called me and asked me how the election preparations were going.
“He said I want to go to Edo five days before the election. Yes, he came to the state and was there and everyone knew he came and his influence was huge,” Okpebolo recalled.
He expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, saying he supported the party to ensure the security of Edo and absolute peace in the nation during and after the elections.
He added that despite the pre-poll anxiety, no deaths were recorded on polling day and the people of the state were happy with the party’s victory, which signified a new dawn.
“A new dawn has dawned. I would like to once again thank APC NWC for their great work and pray that God grants you long life and prosperity to us,” he said.
The Obaseki-led Edo administration is scheduled to hand over national leadership to Okpeboro on November 12.
