At the start of this campaign we said We would spend a lot of time listening. That’s what we’ve done over the last six years, and that’s what We have done over the last eight weeks as well.

Listening to vested interests.

Listening to highly selective focus groups

Listening to ordinary people.

Listening to their disillusionment with politicians.

They want politicians to stand up and address the issues that matter to them. They want commitments that are clear.

And there are just a few days left to determine the direction Edo takes.

A few days to turn this into a campaign that sets Edo on the right course for the years ahead.

A few days to turn this into a campaign that focuses on the long term.

A few days to turn this into a campaign about the issues that matter to people.

I expected a barrage of lies and distortions from the opposition party High Command, the like of which we have never seen before. It has come to pass!

They are intimidated by the many “ good stories we have to tell”… and they are frightened that the distance between them and the levers of governance is widening. When they are frightened get negative, and they get nasty.

Instead of engaging in honest debate, they will put up thousands of posters, jingles and articles distorting the truth.

Instead of confronting voters face to face, they will ring people up, whispering lies about our policies down the phone, WhatsApp groups and on Facebook. Instead of talking about their record, they will fight the most negative, most nasty campaign imaginable.

Well, we will not be cowed. The best antidote to negative APC campaigning is to fight positively on our programme for Edo.

To make the campaign in this last few days a campaign the Edo people can be proud of.

And our Party and government has a duty to make that happen.

Our investment in Education has given our children the best possible education. Guaranteeing the best possible start in life for every child.

Our government has signed over 20000 certificates of occupancy, Cof O, in the last six years surpassing the 15000 that had ever been signed in Edo State by all its past Governors put together.

Our government does not owe pensions or salaries to its workers. These commitments are met and paid on or before the 27th of every month.

Our government has constructed and rehabilitated over 1000km of road in the last six years. Countless numbers of inner city roads across the three senatorial districts and rural communities.

Our government is lighting up Edo with the most comprehensive and sustainable street light project every embarked upon by any state government in Nigeria. Our Ossiomo power partners provides the power with which these lights as well as numerous businesses and factories are powered. In Edo today, we can boast of 24hours of interrupted power. Our secretariat and government offices also enjoy this service.

Haven conquered the power deficit that plagues Nigeria, our state now commands a strong presence of business and commerce as the Benin Airport is now among busiest airport in Nigeria while our hotels growing exponentially are experiencing close to 80% occupancy rates.

This is not by coincidence but by planning, strategy and collaboration with all arms of government.

As we go to the polls on Saturday March 18, 2023, Edo people have a choice to vote all PDP candidates into the Edo State House of Assembly for sustainable development or expose our state to a party whose only agenda is to have its hand on the levers of government for self interest. They have no plans, no legislative agenda but embroiled in anger and vendetta.

Over the last six years and especially in the last few weeks, APC have failed to prove that they are worthy of our trust.

Let’s keep progress in power!

Chris Osa Nehikhare
Hon Commissioner for Communication&Orientation