Just days before the Edo State governorship election set for September 21, Action Alliance candidate Tom Iseghhi-Okojie announced his decision to step down in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. At a press conference held on Sunday, Iseghhi-Okojie explained that the move was motivated by his belief that leadership is about collaboration and knowing when to join forces for the greater good.
Joined by his running mate, Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu, and APC’s Acting Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Iseghhi-Okojie expressed his support for Okpebholo, stating, “I have chosen to step down from the governorship race and collaborate with the APC and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Edo cannot afford another term of mismanagement, economic hardship, and insecurity.”
He criticized the performance of the current administration under the PDP, citing a lack of progress for the state, and emphasized that after careful reflection, joining forces with Okpebholo was the best course of action.
Describing Okpebholo as a leader driven by strategic thinking and connection to the people, Iseghhi-Okojie added, “He may not dazzle with flashy speeches, but he is a thoughtful leader who makes tough decisions for the good of Edo State. This collaboration ensures we can decisively win this election and bring about the real change Edo needs.”
APC Acting Chairman Tenebe welcomed the alliance, stating that the unity between the parties was necessary after eight years of PDP non-performance. He emphasized that governance requires empathy, and the collaboration with Action Alliance strengthens the APC’s prospects in the election.