By Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) has sued for unity among all the leaders and members of the party across the three senatorial districts to ensure victory for the APC in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
A statement issued by Esekhaigbe titled “The road to Osadebe Avenue” called on all members of the party hurt by the outcome of the primary to put the interest of the party above their personal gain, especially now that the Edo Central Senatorial District has the chance of producing the next governor of the state.
He said the outcome of the primary election is not an opportunity to settle old scores among party leaders.
Part of the statement reads: “The primary process for the candidacy of our great party, APC has been concluded with the presentation of the Certificate of Return to Senator Monday Okpebholo (Akpakomiza).
“There is no doubt that the 12 Apostles ( THE ASPIRANTS) that participated in the process are all qualified by all standards, but the simple fact remains that only just one person would fly the flag of the party.
“Therefore, the winner should be humble in victory and those who did not win should please make a huge sacrifice and embrace dialogue.
“The route to Osadebe Avenue will be tortuous and challenging and only a united front can lead us to the finish line.
“It is in light of this, that I am respectfully calling all our party members to remember the axiom of NO VICTOR NO VANQUISHED.
“Those congratulating Senator Okpebholo must do so with love and not hate, altruism and not subterfuge, progressive mentality against retrogressive instincts.
“The political battle must be led by clear line of thought. The next important step is reconciliation of all the leaders and the led with utmost respect to our Leader in Edo State.
“This is not the time for settling old scores. This is not the time for opportunistic alignment and empire creation.
“All the leaders would need to work together with clear directives to their followers that victory is only possible through a united front.
“Those of us from Edo Central Senatorial District are not oblivious of our limitations but our hope, aspiration and conviction are hinged on the fact that.
“The strength of a chain is determined by the weakest link,” Our quest for rotation of power was never based on an ENTITLEMENT MENTALITY, but the reasonable and humble demand for fairness, justice and equity.
“We are embarking on an aggressive reconciliation process and the entire Esan race are indebted to the other districts with a charter of even and equal development of the state when Sen. Okpebholo is elected by the grace of God.”