The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has advised Edo State’s governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to focus on future governance rather than initiating probes into the administration of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Ganduje’s counsel came during Okpebholo’s visit to the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday.
“We are on the winning side. The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and now you should focus on moving forward,” Ganduje stated. “You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from.”
Ganduje emphasized that a truly “progressive government” moves forward rather than dwelling on past administrations. “Think forward and be an action governor,” he urged Okpebholo.
He also reminded the governor-elect of the importance of the APC manifesto, which he called the blueprint for governance.
“Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced, follow it to the letter. It’s time to deliver on the promises you made to the people,” he added, referencing Okpebholo’s energetic campaign style as an asset for the state.
Assuring Okpebholo of the APC’s support, Ganduje stressed the importance of keeping party offices active at all levels and referenced the recent establishment of the APC’s “progressive institute,” an intellectual wing intended to train members at the local level and help shape agendas in alignment with citizens’ needs.
Reflecting on his election victory, Okpebholo acknowledged the challenges faced. “It wasn’t an easy one,” he said, expressing gratitude for Ganduje’s guidance throughout the campaign.
“I know how many times the chairman called me about election preparations. His presence in Edo was felt, and it made a great impact,” Okpebholo noted, adding that the support from President Bola Tinubu was instrumental to peace during and after the polls.
Appreciating the peaceful nature of election day, Okpebholo highlighted that “mo lives were lost, and people are hopeful for a new dawn under APC leadership.”
The Obaseki administration is scheduled to hand over to Okpebholo on November 12.
