Benin City, Edo State – August 13, 2025:
Less than 24hours to the crucial bye-elections in Ovia Federal Constituency and Edo Central Senatoratorial District, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ikpoba-Okha L.G.A ,Ambassador Johnson Iyamu, has declared that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s transformative leadership and soaring popularity will guarantee a landslide victory for the party this Saturday, August 16th.
Addressing journalists and party faithful in Benin City, Amb. Iyamu asserted that Governor Okpebholo’s impactful first year in office has fundamentally shifted the political landscape, making the upcoming polls “a mere formality” for the APC.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo has not just met expectations; he has exceeded them in such a short span,” Iyamu declared. “His visible developmental strides, authentic leadership style, and unwavering commitment to the people have resonated deeply across Edo State. This overwhelming goodwill, particularly in Ovia and Edo Central where the elections hold, translates directly into votes. Saturday will be a walkover for the APC, thanks to the Governor’s sterling performance.”Highlighting the Governor’s strides,Iyamu meticulously outlined the factors underpinning his confidence:
Developational Strides: He pointed to the aggressive road rehabilitation and construction projects visibly transforming key arteries in Edo Central (like the ongoing dualization of the Irrua-Uromi road and repairs on the Ekpoma-Auchi highway) and Ovia (including improvements to the Benin-Lagos bypass sections and rural access roads). He also cited the rapid upgrades to primary healthcare centers and the rollout of new educational support initiatives as tangible proof of the Governor’s delivery-focused governance.
* Leadership Style:
Iyamu praised Okpebholo’s “hands-on, no-nonsense, and accessible” approach. “He is not an armchair Governor. He is constantly in the field, inspecting projects, listening to communities directly, and demanding accountability from contractors and officials. This practical, result-oriented leadership has restored public trust.”
* People-Oriented Governance:
The Ambassador emphasized the Governor’s focus on initiatives directly impacting the masses. “From the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, to the revitalization of local markets, support for farmers, and the new micro-grant schemes for petty traders, Governor Okpebholo has shown he governs *with* the people and *for* the people. His policies are felt in the homes and farms of ordinary Edo citizens.”
*Groundswell of Support in Key Constituencies:
Crucially, Iyamu stressed the Governor’s immense personal popularity in the very areas heading to the polls:
Edo Central (Senatorial Bye-Election): As a proud son of Esanland (Edo Central), Governor Okpebholo enjoys unprecedented home support. “The people of Esanland see one of their own delivering like never before. The pride and sense of ownership are palpable. They will vote overwhelmingly to support his party and consolidate his gains,” Iyamu stated.
Ovia Federal Constituency:
fGovernor Okpebholo’s projects in Ovia are visible for all to see. The people appreciate his inclusiveness and the attention given to their infrastructure needs after years of neglect. There is a strong wave of gratitude and endorsement sweeping through Ovia for the Governor and, by extension, the APC candidate.”Iyamu dismissed opposition campaigns as “noise against the thunderous applause for Governor Okpebholo’s achievements.” He urged APC supporters to turn out en masse on Saturday, not just to win, but to send a powerful message of endorsement for the Governor’s “Edo First” agenda.
*Echoes on the Ground:
Residents spoken to in Uromi (Edo Central) and Iguobazuwa (Ovia) largely corroborated Iyamu’s sentiment. “The Governor is working. We see the roads, we feel the difference. Why would we vote against progress?” asked Mr. Okoeguale, a trader in Uromi. In Ovia, a community leader, Chief Osemwengie, remarked, “He has remembered us. The APC candidate will get our vote because he represents continuity of this good work.”
As Edo State prepares for Saturday’s critical bye-elections, Ambassador Johnson Iyamu’s prediction hinges on one central theme: Governor Monday Okpebholo’s performance in office has become the APC’s most potent campaign weapon, making victory in Ovia and Edo Central appear almost inevitable..
