The leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria – which included four serving governors, three former governors, serving senators, members of the House of Representatives and ex-ministers – threw their weight behind the re-election of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as Edo State governor on the strength of his performance in his less than four years in office.
The ACN leaders who attended the rally at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which was filled to capacity by ACN supporters, were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Chief Bisi Akande, National Chairman of the party; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Senator Chris Ngige; Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State; Chief Audu Ogbe; Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Tom Ikimi; Senator Ehigie Uzamere; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State; Senator Domingo Obende; Hon. Dino Melaye; Hon Samson Osagie of the House of Representatives; and Alhaji Lai Mohammed among many others.
Benin City, the capital of Edo State, was in a festive mood as party faithful and supporters trooped out in large numbers to attend the rally.
Speaking on the occasion, Oshiomhole said July 14 is an opportunity for the people of Edo State to write off those who underdeveloped the state.
According to him: “This election is the final opportunity to bury the godfathers who underdeveloped the state. The godfathers are angry they can no longer feed on the common wealth of the people and they are now hungry. There is no nation in the world that has the resources it needs to meet all the needs of the people, but Nigeria has the resources to meet the basic needs of the people, but does not have the resources to meet the greed of the godfathers.
“When we came in over three and half years ago, they told us Edo was not viable but today we have shown that with prudent management of resources the government has impacted on the lives of the people.
“On assumption of office, we promised we would aggressively address the urban renewal programme in Benin City and other parts of the state. For the first time, Benin City wears a new look at night and for the first time water is flowing in Edo Central. Today, our public schools are far more beautiful than most private schools in Edo State. We have shown we can build roads, provide water, build schools and hospital.
“For us, politics is with one purpose and that is to improve the life of the people. We seek a new mandate because Edo State is work in progress. We want to restore completely the lost glory of the state.”
He said on the basis of studies carried out, the government will continue during the second term to tackle the flood problems and continue what has been started in other sectors.
He added: “They said I am using Federal Government money to build primary and Junior Secondary Schools. But I ask them for 10 years when they were in power what did they do with the money? They shared it among the godfathers.”
The governor commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his adherence to the principle of one man one vote and urged the Edo people not to be intimidated by the presence of soldiers in the state, saying they were around to provide security and ensure that the election is rig-free.
The governor urged the electorate to come out en masse and vote on July 14 and ensure that they defend their votes.
Tinubu, who also spoke at the rally, said a vote for Oshiomhole is a vote for the future.
He said: “Use your votes to punish a man who called your children criminals. Go from door to door in your neighbourhood and tell the people to vote for the ACN. Do not be afraid, because adequate security will be provided.”
On his part, Fashola said: “I’m glad to be back home. This was where I was made. I am product of the University of Benin and I am not a criminal. At a time like this, all sorts of people come with promises, but what you fought for four years ago, you have seen the results. It is time to renew the social contract.
“When Oshiomhole came four years ago, I said he was going to build Airport, Akpakpava and other roads. They said it was not possible. PDP has ruined Nigerian national life. I know the Edo electorate is very intelligent. Nobody can deceive you. Defend your votes. When they give you money take it, but vote for the ACN.”
Fayemi said: “The story of July 14 is not about Edo State but about the future of our children, women and country. A revolution has started in Edo State. That is what we are going to reconfirm on July 14.”
Aregbesola said: “All the Governors in the ACN are genuine representatives of the people. I want to appeal to you to sustain your support for ACN. This large turnout shows the Edo people are satisfied with Oshiomhole. I have no doubt that the people of Edo State know who their Governor is. But there is a conspiracy at the federal level and you must use your vote to frustrate that conspiracy.”
He asked the people above the age of 35 to wait at the polling station after casting their votes and monitor the votes from the polling units to the collation centres to ensure that the correct result is announced, warning that there would be trouble if a fake result is announced.
On his part, Amosun said: “Oshiomhole’s work has campaigned for him. The roads, schools, hospitals and others have campaigned for him.”
Other leaders who spoke at the rally included Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Deputy National Chairman, South South of the party; Mrs. Modino Emovon, Woman Leader of the party in Edo State; Senator Chris Ngige; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; and Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
Highpoint of the rally was the presentation of the ACN flag by Akande to Oshiomhole as the party’s flagbearer.
Various music artistes, including award-winning musician, Tu Face Idibia, added colour to the rally with their hit tunes.