By MONDAY AJOGUN

Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Dennis Idahosa, has expressed optimism that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will sweep the forthcoming local government elections across the state.

Idahosa gave the optimism while addressing APC party faithful and leaders at the official declaration of local government elections in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the council elections is slated for July 11, following the release of the final list of candidates by Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

Addressing newsmen in Iguobazuwa on Tuesday, Idahosa said that APC had intensified grassroots mobilisation across the council area.

He expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the local government elections.

“We are going to campaign in all the nooks and crannies of Ovia South West to ensure that APC wins the day,” he said.

The deputy governor stated that the party had officially flagged off its local government campaign with rallies across the council, beginning with visits to Udo, Iguobazuwa East and Iguobazuwa West wards.

He said that party faithful and leaders were received by ‘enthusiastic’ supporters.

Idahosa, who described the turnout as encouraging, added that the massive attendance reflected growing confidence in APC and its candidates.

“We started campaigns today, first was at Udo Ward, then Iguobazuwa East and Iguobazuwa West wards.

“We visited those three wards and the turnout was amazing. This election will be keenly contested, but we are very sure that APC will win,” he said.

The deputy governor described the emergence of the APC chairmanship candidate, Mr Anthony Osarobo, as the beginning of a new political era for the council, urging residents to support the aspirant, whom he described as youthful, with their votes.

On his part, Osarobo expressed satisfaction with the reception received from residents during the campaign.

“The turnout is high. It shows they believe in us and Edo,” he said.

NAN reports that during the rallies, the party formally presented Osarobo and his running mate, Mr Isaac Bakare, to supporters, while councillorship candidates from the various wards were also introduced and given the opportunity to engage directly with voters. (NAN)

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