A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. John Mayaki, has said that the party is fully set to defeat the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Joe Okojie, in the Edo Central Senatorial rerun election even in his domain, Uromi.

“The main contender in the election is Joseph Ikpea,” Mayaki said. “His election to fill the vacant seat left by Governor Monday Okpebholo will be the final nail in the political coffin of the opposition PDP before the 2027 general election.”

Mayaki told reporters in Benin City that the good work being done by the APC government of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the state would give the party an added advantage ahead of the rerun.

His words: “We are fully prepared to take on our opponent in the election. We will demonstrate with this election that the PDP is dead in Edo State, and we will go further to defeat their candidate in his Uromi stronghold.

“You will see the great margin with which Ikpea will beat Okojie in the election, most especially in his Uromi community. By the end of the rerun election, we will have APC Senators in Edo South, Central and North.

“The governor is fully on ground. The party chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, and all our leaders are fully on ground. We are leaving no stone unturned. People are defecting from the PDP and Labour Party to team up with us. The achievements of the governor are also counting, and ultimately, we will disgrace the PDP in the election.

“If you ask me, the PDP and their candidate know they have no chance in this election. If they are sincere with themselves, they will simply concede victory.”

He, however, advised Mr. Okojie to opt out of the election as he does not stand any chance of winning.

The APC chieftain also explained that the party is consolidating its hold on political power by delivering the dividends of democracy to the people through effective service delivery.