We’ll Free Okpebholo To Govern Edo, No Godfather Will Stand In His Way, Says APC’s Morka

The All-Progressives Congress (APC), has reaffirmed its commitment to support the newly elected governor of Edo State, emphasising that the party will not obstruct the governor elect’s ability to govern.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, stated that the party is determined to allow the governor to lead without interference, in the best interests of the people of Edo State.

He pointed out that the party’s focus is not on any individual but rather on the welfare of the citizens, asserting that there will be no “Godfather” hindering the governor’s efforts.

“We didn’t win Edo state so that we can hamstrung the new governor. We will free him to govern because he needs to govern in the strategic best interest of the people of Edo State.

“It is not about any individual and there is no Godfather who is going to stand in his way because our party is very vigilant, clear and intentional about allowing those who emerge as governors to govern in the utmost interest of the people. The people of Edo state are in for the good this governor is going to do.”

Morka highlighted the unity demonstrated by the APC during the elections, noting that the party rallied together after the primaries to support their flagbearer. He attributed the election’s success to the commitment of all party members, even those who initially opposed the chosen candidate during the primaries.

“What you witnessed during the election was a rallying of all of the sectors of the parties. What is unique about our party is that once we were done with our primaries, it was no longer about those who sought the ticket of the party.

“Once a flagbearer was announced, there was a rallying of the leaders and members of the party behind him and I think that is what produced this outcome. It was the vehement commitment of everyone, even those who opposed him during the primaries. Also, the leadership of the party, everyone supported him.”

In a pointed response to comments made by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi regarding the election results, Morka described Obi as a “serial complainer” who refuses to accept election outcomes that do not favor him.

Obi had earlier said in a statement on his X account that what happened in Edo State last Saturday could not be called an election, but rather a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of our democratic process and values.

Morka dismissed Obi’s criticism of the Edo election as irrelevant, noting that Obi was neither a candidate nor a voter in the state.

“Everyone who bothers with Nigeria’s politics knows that Peter Obi is a serial complainer. He will not accept the result of any election that is not in his favour or in favour of the candidate that he supports.

“Since the 2023 election, Peter Obi has been in consistent denial of that election and now he has a new pet project; to deny the Edo election. We don’t reckon with Obi because he was not a candidate in Edo and he was not a voter and so whatever he thinks about that election is very irrelevant and up to him.”

Morka further acknowledged that Labour party’s Olumide Akpata and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who raised concerns about the election, have a legitimate interest, challenging them to substantiate their allegations in court.

“I think that Olumide Akpata and Asue Ighodalo had legitimate interest in that election. So, if they are not satisfied with the outcome of the election, they must do what they must do, which is to take the matter to court and go there to prove the allegations that they are simply throwing around. I have not listened to any of them articulate or furnish any sort of reasonable evidence of all of the high-sounding allegations that they made.

“It is not about the headlines. You must break down the headlines into credible, realistic evidence in court to prove that you won the election or that there was some manipulation or foul play like you allege. We will of course meet them in court and present our own side of the story. That is the beauty of democracy because he who alleges must prove.”

Chioma Kalu

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