One of the aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the upcoming Edo governorship election, Anamero Dekeri, has declared himself the winner of the party’s primary. He said he accepted the nomination to be the party’s flagbearer in the September 21 poll.
Dekeri, who made the announcement in his acceptance speech on Sunday, commended the party’s stakeholders and appealed to other aspirants to join hands with him to improve the fortunes of the APC and defeat the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the APC members in Edo State elected him as their preferred candidate because of his experience, expertise, and vision for the state. Also, he thanked them for their confidence and support and promised to run an inclusive and progressive campaign.
“I must also thank critical stakeholders, especially the state and national working committees, for insisting on total adherence to electoral guidelines as stipulated in the timetable. Let me also appreciate the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, for ensuring transparency in the conduct of the election,” he said.
He further acknowledged the efforts of his campaign team for their resilience and commitment to the noble cause. He then urged them to rededicate themselves to the next stage of the process.
Dekeri also addressed his co-contestants, saying that their participation helped deepen democracy in the APC. He said there was no victor and no vanquished, and that the APC was the winner.
“You fought gallantly and with passion. We might have disagreed during the campaigns, which is not unusual in any contest, but our members have made a choice. There is no victor and there is no vanquished. It is APC that has won. Democracy is the winner. Therefore, I invite you to join hands with me and let us march together, shoulder to shoulder, with great strength and commitment, and remove the temporary occupant at Osadebe Avenue – the PDP come September 2024,” he said.
In addition, he called on the APC in Edo State to “gird their loins” and join forces for campaign efforts to form the next government in the state.
“Ours shall be a government that will care for you and your children and alleviate your sufferings. We have a clear agenda to transform Edo State into a hub of development, innovation, and prosperity. We have the capacity, the competence, and the character to deliver on our promises.” he said.
He also sent a message to the PDP, saying that the party’s days in power were numbered and that the people of Edo State were ready for change.
“Let me send this message to the Peoples Democratic Party, the temporary occupant at Dennis Osadebey Avenue, to begin to pack their luggage. Your time is up. You have failed the people of Edo State and have betrayed their trust. You have squandered their resources, mismanaged their affairs and have nothing to show for your years in office. The people of Edo State are tired of your lies, your corruption, and your incompetence. They are ready to vote you out and usher in a new dawn of APC leadership. They are ready for Anamero Dekeri,” he said.
He concluded his speech by expressing his optimism and gratitude and asking for the support and prayers of the people.
“I am confident that with your support, we will make history and write a new chapter in the annals of Edo State. I am humbled by this opportunity and privilege to serve you. And I ask for your continued support and prayers as we embark on this journey together. God bless you, Edo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Source: Punch
