Bankole-Balogun and several others receive APC nod for House of Representatives and Edo State House of Assembly seats in Akoko-Edo

As the House of Representatives primary election approaches on Friday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Akoko-Edo local government area have thrown their weight behind Chief Oladele Bankole-Balogun, also known as Oteniete, as their preferred candidate to represent the Akoko-Edo federal constituency.

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The endorsement was made at a rally held in Igarra, the local government headquarters, where stakeholders of the party gathered to make their preferences known, also choosing Teddy Adewunmi and Hon Donald Okogbe to represent Akoko-Edo Constituency I and II respectively in the Edo State House of Assembly.

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According to the leaders, the trio will work closely with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure the people of Akoko-Edo benefit from the dividends of democracy, and they urged other aspirants to join forces with the party leadership and the state governor to develop the local government.

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Edo State Local Government Service Commission Chairman, Hon Kabiru Adjoto, explained that the three chosen candidates represent the interest of the governor and have the capacity to effectively represent the people, with Adewunmi and Okogbe being well-equipped to serve the two constituencies in the House of Assembly.

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Adjoto emphasized the importance of presenting the best candidates, stating that when many people are vying for a single seat, only the most qualified should be chosen, and that the best is good enough for Akoko-Edo to send to represent them.

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He further stressed that the support of all party members is crucial for winning elections, even after presenting the best candidates, saying "we need everybody to win elections even after we present our best).

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Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Barr. Bisi Idaomi, noted that the unity displayed by the party leaders in Akoko-Edo is unprecedented and a sign of impending victory for the party, saying "this has never happened before in Akoko-Edo for the real leaders to come together to say in one voice, we have decided."

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Council chairman, Alabi Oshionoge, expressed his support for the governor's vision for Akoko-Edo, stating that the best is what His Excellency Governor Okpebholo wants for the local government, and that the party is loyal to its leadership.

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Ayo Olowojoba, a party leader in the area, echoed the sentiment that the party's leadership has chosen the best candidates for the local government and that they must be supported by all.

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In response to the endorsement, Bankole-Balogun assured the people of Akoko-Edo that they will not regret sending him to the Red Chambers, promising to work with the president and the governor to secure a better deal for the people.