The All Progressives Congress (APC) will officially kick off its campaign for the governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, today (Tuesday) with a high-profile event featuring the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The campaign launch marks the beginning of a series of electioneering activities leading up to the September 21 election.

Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe confirmed the details of the campaign in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online on Monday. According to Tenebe, the campaign will begin with a major event today and will continue with a series of engagements in Edo Central on Wednesday. The campaign aims to connect with stakeholders and grassroots voters.

Key figures expected to participate in the campaign include Cross River Governor Bassey Out (campaign chairman), Katsina Governor Dikko Radda (co-chairman), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Assistant Secretary), Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, and Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

In response to recent claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, about Senator Okpebholo avoiding debates and town hall meetings, Tenebe dismissed these allegations. He described them as diversionary tactics meant to distract from the PDP’s own shortcomings.

Tenebe emphasized that the APC’s candidate, Senator Okpebholo, has been actively engaging with the public and participating in various forums since the start of his campaign. He challenged the PDP to focus on presenting a viable candidate rather than spreading misinformation about Okpebholo.

The APC’s campaign efforts come on the heels of the National Working Committee’s announcement of a 197-member team to drive the governorship campaign in the state. The party aims to solidify its position and garner support as the election approaches.