Toba Owojaiye, Benin City
The Peoples Democratic Party has joined growing calls for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to make his first public appearance and address the people of Edo State. The PDP has expressed concern that despite emerging as the APC candidate three months ago through a controversial primary process, Senator Okpebholo has yet to speak directly to Edo people via any organised physical forum or through established electronic media such as television or radio.
Renowned television stations, including Channels TV and Arise, have made repeated requests for Senator Okpebholo’s appearance, but all attempts have been unsuccessful. Even Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent figure in the APC, was reportedly urged by Channels TV to facilitate Okpebholo’s participation, yet the senator has consistently avoided these public engagements. The PDP is baffled by his continued absence from such crucial platforms and his reliance on aides to speak on his behalf.
“When will Okpebholo speak to the people of Edo?” the PDP questions, emphasizing the importance of direct communication between candidates and the electorate. Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, has been actively engaging with the people of Edo State across various electronic platforms, often at short notice, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability.
In a scathing statement made available to Truth Live News, the PDP has made it clear that they are ready to debate the APC candidate at any time and location, be it in a physical forum or on reputable radio and television stations. They argue that only the candidates themselves can effectively communicate their visions and plans to the people. As the PDP puts it, “No barber can cut anyone’s hair in his absence, in the same way, no one can speak better for a candidate other than the candidate himself!”
In light of this, the PDP has rejected any debate that does not involve the candidates of the political parties, particularly Senator Okpebholo, who has yet to engage directly with the Edo people. They maintain that such a debate would lack credibility and fail to serve its intended purpose.
Rev. Olu Martins, the Deputy Director-General of Media and Publicity for the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, reiterated the party’s stance, urging for a transparent and direct debate between the candidates.
Rev Olu Martin’s bragged on the readiness and Competence of the PDP candidate in stark contrast with the APC candidate when he said
“The candidate of our party, Dr Asue Ighodalo has continued to engage the people of Edo State on all known electronic platforms and sometimes at the shortest possible notice”
The spokesman stated that it is condescending and infuriating for a gubernatorial candidate to abscond from public scrutiny under any guise in 2024 and has urged Edo voters to punish their indolence by voting Asue Ighodalo en masse at the polls.
