…Edo has proven that APC is one family in the state – Electoral Chairman, Hon. Ajanah
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has confirmed that the successful conduct of the party’s local government and ward congresses across the state has significantly expanded internal democracy and fortified the party’s electoral fortunes.
Tenebe made the declaration while briefing journalists on Saturday in Benin after the conclusion of the party’s congresses, held across the 18 local government areas of the state.
He described the exercise as rancour-free, peaceful and transparent, noting that Edo State had become the “cynosure of all eyes” nationwide due to the orderly conduct of the process.
According to him, the outcome of the congresses reflects the party’s growing democratic culture, organizational maturity and renewed cohesion at the grassroots.
While expressing satisfaction with the exercise, the Edo APC chairman stressed that the success must translate into electoral victories in future polls.
“The gains of this achievement can only be sustained if they reflect in our electoral outcomes,” Tenebe said.
He urged party members to remain united, disciplined and committed to sustained grassroots mobilisation.
Tenebe attributed the smooth conduct of the congresses to the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whom he described as a dynamic and resourceful leader.
The APC Chairman maintained that Edo State had been positioned as a model of progressive party organisation.
Tenebe commended party members across the state for their discipline, maturity and unwavering support for the leadership, noting that such qualities had helped to consolidate a strong internal structure capable of reshaping the party’s political future.
He also lauded members of the congress committees for their dexterity, determination and cooperation, expressing confidence that their experience would further strengthen the party’s internal processes going forward.
Speaking on the outcome of the APC local government congress, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hon. Kabir Ajanah stated that the party has proven that APC is one family in Edo State.
According to him, “I want to gladly tell the world that we have made APC intact as one family of Edo, and Edo is APC.
“I want to tell the world that as of today, after conduction, we sat in the state’s secretariat, using it as a situation of collecting reports and evaluating it. I want to say that the exercise was history, and the local government excos have been duly elected by the APC family in various departments. The exercise was done under the rules and regulations guiding the electoral exercise.
“The APC members decided to use a consensus approach to elect their various offices into the 27 back-up positions that they have at the local government. And as such, we have received reports that everything went on fine, and as of today, I believe the appeal committee is the next thing that will check if there is any appeal, but my men, fellow members of my team, having come back from all the various local governments, have indicated that on the ground there is no cause for alarm, that everything was history, and that there was no security breach. Everything was done in a more or less like a family affair.
“I want to tell the world that there is a lot of things that we should learn from Edo. Edo has set the pace. Edo has shown that it is one family. Edo also has shown that it has carried everybody along, and this is attributed to the dynamism of a very young, purposeful leadership of His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo with a giant stride that he has been able to do to marshal people together, and I think this is a great feat for us in APC and a great feat for Edo State. I believe this is a stepping stone towards showing that what the government really meant, that I’m going to make APC win the presidential and all other elections. This is just a grand design, a stepping stone towards that.
“We are very, very grateful. And we really, really enjoyed the conducive atmosphere created by Edo State APC Chairman, who was very, very resourceful. His team of staff were very helpful.
“They helped us at every stage of demand. They made us feel at home. They made sure that there was no problem, our security was working, and we were well adhered to all the rules and regulations guiding the principles of the election event.