Chieftains of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe Rtd. and Hon. (Dr.) Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, has called for reconciliation and unity amongst party leaders to bring the party to winning ways ahead of the September 21 Governorship election in the state.
In a press statement signed by Gen. Esekhaigbe Rtd. and made available to journalists in Abuja said 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.
"On behalf of the good people of Edo Central Senatorial District, I heartily congratulate our candidate Sen. Okpebholo and respectfully request our brothers and sisters in all the nooks and crannies of the State to wholeheartedly support his candidacy.
"May God grant him victory in the September 21 election and the wisdom to redefine governance in Edo State for the benefit of all. It will be EDO developed BY EDO PEOPLE, FOR EDO PEOPLE AND WITH EDO PEOPLE.
"ONWARD TOGETHER FOR A GREATER EDO."
The APC leader in Edo Central further said, "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 1 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 tortous 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 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".
On his part, Hon. Joseph Ikpea said, ”what is needed within the APC in the state now is a genuine and unbiased reconciliatory mechanism that will bring all together as members of the same family,” Ikpea said.
“APC leaders across the board must strive to work together as an indefatigable and united entity in order to reclaim power from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) during the coming governorship election in the state.”
“Therefore, what we need now, is unity and cooperation of all. At the same time, we should see the latest scenario as an opportunity to correct all wrongs in the party since no single senatorial district can win election.
“APC is a big platform that can accommodate all interests without rocking the boat to the extent of destroying the party’s platform, hence the need to always respect the feelings of all members across the board at all times”.
“APC can only reclaim Edo from the present government in the state when everybody is ready to work together especially, when there is cooperation of all and sacrifice by all”.
The former Esan South East Local Government Council Chairman reassured the leadership of the party and the party gubernatorial candidate of his total support.