In this interview, Julius Olele, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, discusses the upcoming Edo governorship election and highlights the key promises of his party’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo. He emphasizes the readiness of the people for the election, noting that voters are eager to make their voices heard on critical issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development. Olele underscores that, despite the distractions of personal attacks in the campaigns, the APC is committed to addressing real issues affecting Edo State, including job creation and infrastructure development.
Olele highlights Okpebholo’s unique qualities, such as his integrity, grassroots leadership, and focus on empowering local communities, which set him apart from other candidates. He also provides a detailed overview of what Edo can expect if Okpebholo wins, including improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth engagement. According to Olele, Okpebholo aims to invest in teacher training, modernize schools, improve healthcare access, boost infrastructure, and promote youth entrepreneurship.
When asked about the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, Olele acknowledges some achievements in education through the EdoBEST programme but criticizes the administration’s uneven progress, particularly in rural infrastructure and youth engagement. He argues that Edo needs a new vision to build on past successes while addressing gaps in governance.
On Okpebholo’s promise to continue from where ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole left off, Olele clarifies that the candidate intends to focus on policies and programs that had a tangible positive impact, particularly in infrastructure and youth empowerment. He stresses that Okpebholo’s leadership will combine the strengths of past administrations with new solutions to move the state forward.
Regarding the PDP’s refusal to sign the Peace Accord ahead of the election, Olele expresses concern, viewing it as a potential signal of heightened tension. He calls for the Federal Government’s intervention to ensure peace. Additionally, he dismisses allegations of the arrest of PDP members by the police, linking the arrests to reported violence involving PDP members.
Finally, Olele discusses the APC’s plans to combat corruption, including empowering anti-corruption agencies, promoting transparency through digital governance, and encouraging citizen engagement. He also emphasizes the party’s intent to leverage its strong relationship with the APC-led Federal Government to attract federal projects and investments to Edo State if Okpebholo wins the election.
