The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has advised Edo State’s incoming governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to avoid probing the administration of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Naija News reports that Ganduje offered this advise during Okpebholo’s courtesy visit to the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday.
Ganduje encouraged Okpebholo to prioritize delivering good governance once he assumes office, suggesting a forward-focused approach.
“The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side. You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from,” Ganduje remarked.
He emphasized that a “progressive government” does not dwell on the past but moves ahead.
He advised Okpebholo to adhere to the party’s manifesto, aiming for socio-economic progress and building bridges with stakeholders.
“Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced, follow it to the letter. Think forward and be an action governor,” he added, recalling Okpebholo’s energetic campaign style, which he believes will make Edo proud.
Ganduje assured the governor-elect of the party’s support to fulfill campaign promises but urged him to ensure that party offices at all levels remain functional.
He mentioned the recent establishment of a “progressive institute,” the APC’s intellectual wing, designed to support training at the local government level and help shape political agendas aligned with the needs of Nigerians.
Earlier, Okpebholo reflected on the election, acknowledging it was a challenging feat.
He credited Ganduje’s presence in Edo days before the poll as instrumental to the APC’s success, and he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for fostering peace during and after the election.
He noted, “It wasn’t an easy one. I know how many times the chairman called me about election preparations. His presence in Edo was felt, and it made a great impact.”
Okpebholo also expressed appreciation for the peaceful election day, where no fatalities were recorded, highlighting the public’s optimism for a “new dawn” under APC leadership.
The Obaseki administration is set to hand over to Okpebholo on November 12.