A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governorship aspirant in Edo State, Kenneth Imansuagbon, has predicted a humiliating defeat for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. He declared that the 2.5 million votes promised President Bola Tinubu by Governor Monday Okpebholo are not feasible. Imansuagbon made this statement at an enlarged ADC senatorial meeting in Ewohimi, Esan Southeast Local Government Area.
Imansuagbon, a lawyer and educationist, said the ADC was confident of defeating the APC in Edo State, particularly in Edo Central Senatorial District. He attributed the growing support for the ADC to the failure of the APC administration to address insecurity, hardship, and poor infrastructure. According to Imansuagbon, Nigerians were yearning for a change of government.
The ADC chieftain described former Vice President Atike Abubakar as the most prepared presidential candidate for the 2027 election. He said Abubakar was better positioned to rescue the country from its present challenges. Imansuagbon also urged Edo voters to reject the APC, insisting that the large turnout at the meeting reflected growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
Imansuagbon recounted his experience on the journey from Benin City to his Ewohimi community, saying it took him over five hours to travel, a journey that used to take just 45 minutes under the PDP administration. He also spoke on the controversy surrounding the viral video in which Edo APC chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, reportedly made remarks referencing AK-47 rifles.
Imansuagbon said the ADC was not intimidated by threats, stressing that the party would rely on voters' support and their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to challenge the ruling party. He added that if the APC thinks it can rig the election, it is living in a fool's paradise. Nigerians will be ready to defend democracy and protect their votes.
Edo State ADC Chairman, Tony Alile, assured party supporters that no individual could discourage eligible voters from exercising their constitutional rights. He called on security agencies to examine the reported AK-47 remarks. Alile posited that nobody can discourage or stop voters from coming out to exercise their franchise.
The meeting also witnessed the formal unveiling of ADC candidates for the 2027 general election and the defection of members of the APC, New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NNDC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the ADC. The defectors were received by Alile, who called for unity and commitment among members as the party intensifies its mobilisation ahead of the elections.
Key points
- Kenneth Imansuagbon predicts a humiliating defeat for the APC in Edo State.
- Imansuagbon says the 2.5 million votes promised by Governor Okpebholo are not feasible.
- The ADC is confident of defeating the APC in Edo State, particularly in Edo Central Senatorial District.
