By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—TRADITIONAL rulers in Etsakoland, Edo State, have thrown their weight behind candidates of All Progressives Congress, APC, in next month’s general elections, saying that their support was based on the need to continue the development al efforts in the state.

The endorsement came during the visit of Governor Adams Oshiomhole to the traditional rulers during APC’s campaign tour to the area.
The party’s candidates are Mr. Francis Alimikhena, Senate, Edo North; Mr Philip Shaibu, House of Representatives candidate; Mr Damian Lawani, Mr Gani Audu, Mr Yakubu Gowon and Mr Kingsley Ughabi, state House of Assembly candidates.

At the palace of the Okumagbe of Weppa Wanno in Etsako East Local Government Area, HRH, Dr Egabor, Omoaze I, said: “Our community and indeed the entire kingdom is proud and we have accepted your leadership which is development-oriented. I must thank you most sincerely for the autonomy granted to the College of Agriculture, Agenebode.

“We cannot thank you enough. Again, let this be on record that your tenure in the state has witnessed tremendous changes in education, road infrastructure and human empowerment. For this reason, we have no doubt in our mind that a vote for the APC is a vote for Oshiomhole. So, we are going to support you and make sure that all your candidates emerge victorious in the coming election.”

Oshiomhole was also at the Palace of Ogieneni of Uzairue Kingdom, HRH Alhaji Kadiri Omoigbai where he presented APC candidates for the  elections.