Focus on Delivering Dividends of Democracy to Edo People – Rev Aikpitanyi Urges Gov Okpebholo
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the August 16th Bye-Election for the Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo State, Rev. Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi has urged the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state, and stop deceiving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of an imaginary 2.5m votes from Edo State in 2027.
Rev. Aikpitanyi also urged the people of Ovia Federal Constituency to dismiss the false narrative that their votes will not count in the August 16th bye-elections, saying that there’s no federal interest in the bye-election.
Aikpitanyi, who spoke to newsmen in Benin, called on eligible voters to come out enmasse and support the PDP by casting their votes for the party come August 16th by-election.
He said the governor may be saying he is delivering the 2.5m votes but not in Ovia Federal constituency, which, according to him, is a PDP stronghold.
Aikpitanyi added that he has consistently been in contact with the people of Ovia, and noted that all they want is development and who will bring about the much needed development to the good people of Ovia Federal Constituency.
He accused Governor Okpebholo of telling people of securing 2.5m votes in Edo that do not exist, describing it as a false narrative to hoodwink President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is too smart for this kind of politics.
“I’ve heard people talking about how they want to give Mr. President, 2 million votes, 3 million votes and many other fake promises.
“Instead of you telling the people from Ovia about 2 million votes, 3 million, why don’t you tell them about your plans on job creation? he said.”
While maintaining that the PDP remains the party to beat in Ovia North East and Ovia South West LGAs, Aikpitanyi assured Ovia people of a free, fair and credible bye-election, noting that there is no federal interest, unlike the 2024 governorship election.
According to him, “Everyone is asking, Will my vote count? Yes, your vote will count. Like I keep telling Ovia people, your civic responsibility is to come out and vote. Don’t worry about the vote counting or not. That is my responsibility.
“We are already talking at the federal level. I am aware that there’s no federal interest. While someone here is talking about giving Mr. President 2 to 3 million votes. I see all these as false narrative to hoodwink Mr. President. However, I know Mr. President is a very smart guy.
“I must give him the credit. So you cannot come to him and say you want to give him 2 million, 3 million at the expense of the people. So you have to be with the people to get them to vote for Mr. President. And the people are with us. The people are with the PDP.”
Aikpitanyi urged the people of Ovia Federal Constituency to support and vote for the PDP at the bye-election, especially in the Ovia Federal Constituencies saying, “If you want to see real change and if you want to make Ovia Shine again, vote the PDP.” Aikpitanyi added.
