The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Edo State chapter, Jarret Tenebe, has assured the former candidates that contested the chairmanships position under the party in 2023 that their labour will not be in vain.
Tenebe gave the assurance when the former candidates paid the party executives a visit at the party Secretariat at Ikpokpan, Benin City on Monday to register their interest in the forthcoming local government election in the state.
The chairman commended them for their determination, confidence and belief in the party despite being in opposition at the time they contested against candidates of the ruling People Democratic Party.
He thanked them for sticking out their necks despite the very many challenges facing the APC as an opposition party in the state, contesting the election to keep hope alive for the 2024 governorship election which saw the APC winning that election.
He said, “People never agreed that APC should contest that election but I believed that we should contest to enable us to gather momentum for the governorship election which was coming then.
“Consultations began with party leaders and they later agreed that the party should contest that election which was keenly contested.
“The Peoples Democratic Party under Godwin Obaseki but the election did not go our way. You people did your best in the election and campaign vigorously for senator Monday Okpebholo to win the governorship election in the state.
“You work hard to ensure APC’s victory at the governorship polls as that is the only way your stolen mandate will be returned.
“The party will stand with you and not allow your labour to be in vain. The party will not allow you to work alone as the party will work with you. The governor is very much aware of your support”.
Speaking on behalf of others, Enahoro Aikpokpo said they contested at a very difficult time to keep the party alive despite the intimidation and challenges they faced.
He called on the party to consider them and give them the right of first refusal as they are interested in the forthcoming local government election in the states.