By joshua Edo LG Poll Dress Rehearsal for 2027, Deputy Governor
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has described the July 11 local government election as a crucial “test-run” for the 2027 general election, supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver overwhelming votes for the party’s candidates.
Speaking on Tuesday during the APC’s campaign rally in Ora Ward 6, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Idahosa said the outcome of the council poll would serve as a measure of the party’s electoral strength ahead of the next national elections.
“We want to show capacity. The votes that we pull out at this local government election should be maintained for the presidential election,” the deputy governor declared while addressing party leaders and supporters.
He called on eligible voters to turn out en masse on July 11 and vote for APC candidates, stressing that the party must sustain its voting strength through the 2027 elections for the presidency, Senate and House of Representatives.
Idahosa also highlighted the newly completed health centre in Ora Community as evidence of the APC-led administration’s commitment to grassroots development. He described the facility as a foundation for more government projects in the area and urged residents to elect APC candidates to strengthen the community’s representation and attract additional development.
A major highlight of the rally was the defection of several members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. The defectors, led by Mr. Alfred Agbonze, were formally received into the ruling party.
Earlier, the APC Chairman in Ovia South West Local Government Area, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbomo, presented the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates to the electorate and encouraged voters to participate actively in the election. He also reminded them to identify the APC logo correctly on the ballot paper.
Also speaking at the rally, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ikponmwosa Omorodion, said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration was delivering on its promises. He expressed confidence that electing the APC candidates would accelerate development through increased government projects, including road dualisation and other infrastructure.
The APC has intensified its campaign across Edo State ahead of the July 11 local government election, which party leaders say is critical to consolidating support for future electoral contests.