The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent cautionary statement directed at the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, regarding his visits to the state.

State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, stated the party’s position on Saturday following the formal unveiling of Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion as the APC candidates for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, respectively.

Tenebe aligned with Governor Okpebholo’s stance, noting that Obi should seek appropriate security clearance before any visit to Edo State, citing public concerns and security considerations. He referred to previous instances of unrest allegedly linked to political visits, although no official report directly implicated Obi in any violence.

"The party also believes that the governor was right in advising Peter Obi to obtain security clearance before coming into the state, especially considering public sentiments and incidents during his last visit," Tenebe said.

On the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections, Tenebe affirmed the APC’s readiness to campaign rigorously ahead of the 2024 governorship polls. He stressed that the party intends to demonstrate its electoral strength to affirm its claim of victory in previous contests.

“Now that we have our candidates, we will hit the ground running. We are going to campaign as if we have never won elections in this state. We want to show the people that we actually won the last governorship election,” he said.

The APC leadership reiterated its commitment to peaceful and issue-based campaigns as the state approaches another crucial electoral season.