Edo Central senatorial district was brought to a standstill on Thursday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) staged a grand finale rally in Ekpoma, ahead of the August 16 senatorial by-election. The rally turned into a massive political spectacle, drawing thousands of supporters, residents, and party faithful from across the region in a vibrant display of party strength and unity.
Held in Esan Central Local Government Area, the event saw a heavy turnout and enthusiastic participation, signaling the APC’s strong momentum heading into the polls. Key figures from the state and national party structures were in attendance, including former Edo State Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government; Chief of Staff Mallam Ganiyu Audu; and retired military officer and senatorial leader, Gen. Cecil Isekhaigbe, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the energetic crowd, Governor Monday Okpebholo accused the previous administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki of lacking the political will to develop Edo State. He said the progress now visible across the state in less than a year under his leadership proves that the resources were always available but mismanaged.
“Because of what we are doing in Edo today, people are asking, ‘Where were these funds all along?’ The answer is simple: Obaseki and the PDP were never interested in developing Edo. They didn’t care about our people. Their politics was transactional, not transformational,” Okpebholo declared, drawing loud applause.
Other speakers echoed the governor’s message, urging the Esan people to come out en masse on Saturday and vote for the APC candidate. They stressed that victory in the senatorial by-election would guarantee stronger representation and faster development across the district.
Senator Oshiomhole praised the achievements of Governor Okpebholo within his first nine months in office and commended the Esan people for their growing support for the APC. He also called for vigilance at the polls, encouraging voters to protect their mandate and ensure a peaceful, transparent election.
The rally was punctuated by electrifying music, cultural performances, and chants of APC slogans, creating a carnival-like atmosphere across Ekpoma. Many residents described the rally as one of the largest political gatherings in the district’s history.
With just two days left until the by-election, Thursday’s rally cemented the APC’s confidence and enthusiasm, as party leaders and supporters projected optimism for a sweeping victory in Edo Central.
