Sunday Okobi
As the countdown to Edo State governorship election billed for September 21 begins, the factional Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Hilton Oduwa Idahosa, has called on the party members to be united and close ranks.
Idahosa noted that if the current ‘confusion’ in the party is not quickly resolved, it would affect the electoral fortune of the party in the September election, stressing that the party is at the point of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Speaking to journalists in his campaign’s headquarters in Benin-city, Idahosa, who is of Alhaji Lamidi Apapa-led faction, said: “l have the utmost assurances that the good people of Edo State will be ready to give the Labour Party their mandate in the September election, only if we come in as a united, committed and dedicated Labour Party.
“Nobody attains victory on the battlefield following indecisive, disunited and disjointed preparations.
“Therefore, we must keep our eyes on the big picture and sheathe our swords so as to allow for a truthfully genuine reconciliation ahead of the election. Let the healing process begin now.”
He lamented the porous state of Edo State, which he said is as a result of maladministration by successive governments, “including the present administration.”
Idahosa disclosed that: “Edo State, from inception, has suffered unbearable maladministration from successive governments cutting across the two major political parties. These and many other reasons gave the Labour Party massive electoral victories at the last general elections.”
Following this development, Idahosa declared that: “It is now safe to say Edo State has become a stronghold of the LP and the headquarters of the Obidient Movement in particular in the country.
“The wanton looting and irresponsible style of governance as witnessed in the state till today clearly shows that our leaders, both past and present, have lost touch and lack empathy as regards the yearnings and aspirations of the Edo people.
“To this end, LP is presenting the possibility of a paradigm shift and a credible, dedicated and trustworthy alternative political platform in Nigeria considering the leadership style of Mr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, the only state controlled by the Labour Party in Nigeria at the moment.”
