With just days remaining before the Edo State governorship election on September 21, Prince Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, the candidate for the Action Alliance (AA), has withdrawn from the race to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
During a press briefing in Benin City, the state capital, Iseghhi-Okojie explained that his decision stemmed from the belief that true leadership involves collaboration rather than isolation, and the need to unite for the greater good of the community.
Joined by her running mate, Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu, and the APC’s acting chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, Okojie expressed that throughout his campaign, he recognized the challenges and aspirations of the people. After listening to their frustrations and hopes for a brighter future, he concluded that Edo deserves better than the unfulfilled promises and stagnation of the past eight years.
“Today, I am making a pivotal decision that I believe is in the best interest of our state. I have chosen to step down from the gubernatorial race and collaborate with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Monday Okpevbolo,” Okojie stated.
He further emphasized that he could not bear to see Edo endure another term of mismanagement, economic hardship, and insecurity, prompting him to align his ambitions with the APC to change the narrative.
“The PDP has had its chance, but regrettably, they have failed to deliver the progress our state needs. After careful reflection, I realized that aligning with the APC under Senator Okpevbolo’s leadership is the best path forward for Edo,” he added.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo may not possess grand oratory skills, but leadership is defined by action, not rhetoric. History has shown us that great leaders—like Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln—faced criticism for their speaking styles, yet their strength and vision guided their nations through challenging times.
“Senator Okpevbolo exemplifies this kind of leadership. He may not mesmerize audiences with flamboyant speeches, but he is strategic, thoughtful, and deeply attuned to his constituents. Behind the scenes, he has demonstrated to me his commitment to listening, assembling the right team, and making difficult decisions for the welfare of Edo State. His motivations are not driven by ego or ambition, but by a genuine desire to uplift the lives of the people of Edo.
“By stepping down and joining forces with the APC, I am not abandoning my commitment to the people. On the contrary, I am fulfilling it in the most effective manner possible. The Action Alliance brings a grassroots network of 65,000 members, with the capability to mobilize at least 500,000 votes.
“This partnership ensures that we can decisively win this election and deliver the real change that Edo so desperately needs. My role will be to support His Excellency Senator Monday Okpevbolo by managing media relations, countering unfair attacks, and ensuring he engages directly with the people—something he excels at.”
In his remarks, APC acting chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe pointed out that after eight years of underperformance by the PDP, the party sought possible collaborations with other parties to form a government of unity. He added that the AA candidate’s alliance with the APC is part of this strategic arrangement.
He highlighted that effective governance requires empathy, stating that anyone lacking empathy cannot contribute to meaningful development.
