The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had vowed to reclaim Edo allegedly taken away through the back door by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) few weeks ago.
The party also said “Edo State is a must win for APC”.
The Chairman of the Contract and Mobilisation Committee of the APC National Campaign Council for Edo State Governorship Election, Chief Timipre Sylva, made these declarations on Tuesday at the National Secretariat of the party after the inaugral meeting of his committee.
Sylva, who is also the Minister of State, Petroleum, told newsmen the party and its members in the South South region of the country, have resolved to rescue Edo from the temporary grip of PDP come September 19.
According to him: “All of us in the South South believe that this election must be won. Edo state is our only APC state in the South South. A few months ago, as you are all aware, they took Bayelsa State from us through the back door after we won the election and now through the back door again, they have taken Edo state but luckily we have the opportunity of reclaiming Edo state in a few weeks from now and every south south APC member is of the consensus that we must reclaim Edo.
“Edo State is our stronghold in the region and therefore we are all geared up, we will all go to Edo state. We want to assure you that you should not entertain any doubt that Edo state will be an APC state very soon come the election in September.”
When reminded of the influence and power of incumbency, the Minister said the incumbency was stolen from APC, stressing the party was set to reclaim what was rightful its, adding that election is not all about finance.
According to him: “Election is not all about finance. First if you say the power of incumbency, it is an APC incumbency that has been stolen by the PDP. So, that kind of incumbency has comma and that is why we believe that such incumbency will not work.
“The Edo people know that Edo state is for APC and I want to assure you that we are in touch with our people in Edo state and we know that we are the dominant party in Edo state and we are going to win this election”.
The Committee considered the drawing of list of individuals, groups and association to meet/contact in Edo State for the success of the party at the polls, among other things.
The meeting also agreed to visit the state with a view to collaborating with party members.

By Jide Oritunsin