Edo people deserve leaders who will prioritise their well-being over politics – APC chieftain, Olele

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Edo, Julius Olele, popularly known as Jojo,  talks about Saturday’s governorship election and the plans of the party’s candidate to transform Edo if he wins, in this interview with ’TANA AIYEJINA

The Edo governorship election is just three days away, what is the mood ahead of the election?

There is a sense of eagerness and preparedness before the Edo governorship race. People are keen to engage in the democratic process and have their voices heard. Voters are thinking about our wonderful state’s future with a sense of duty and excitement that is apparent. People are talking about the main concerns that are important to them, which include healthcare, education, and the economy. Together with my team, we are prepared to ensure a fair, transparent, and peaceful election while concentrating on bringing about the reform and advancement that Edo so richly deserves.

The campaigns have been more of attacks on the opponents by the leading parties rather than issue-based. Doesn’t this worry you?

Yes, it is concerning that the campaigns are geared more toward personal attacks rather than being issue-based. Our democracy thrives when ideas and policies are at the forefront of political discussions, not character assaults. However, I remain focused on the real issues affecting the people of Edo State—such as job creation, infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. It is vital that we elevate the conversation and address the pressing challenges facing our state. The people of Edo deserve leaders who will prioritise their well-being over political bickering, and that is exactly what I am committed to. This election should not be a do or die affair, regardless the parties in which we belong , we are all from Edo State meaning we are one  so for me no one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen of edo state.

As an APC stalwart in the state, what do you think your party candidate Monday Okpebholo has to offer that the other candidates don’t?

Okpebholo has a rare combination of honesty, demonstrated leadership, and a thorough understanding of Edo State’s difficulties. His experience as a grassroots leader, dedication to job development, and emphasis on strengthening local communities distinguish him from the other candidates. He is not making empty promises; he has a track record of delivering outcomes, particularly in infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic revitalisation. Unlike others, he recognises that long-term success requires inclusive governance, in which every Edo citizen, from rural to urban, has a voice. His ambition is to create an Edo State that is affluent, safe, and prepared for the future, and that is the leadership we require right now.

So, if Okpebholo wins, what should Edo expect in terms of education, health, infrastructure agriculture and youth engagement?

If Okpebholo wins, Edo State can expect transformational leadership across critical sectors. In education there will be a renewed focus on quality and accessibility. Okpebholo is committed to investing in teacher training, upgrading school infrastructure, and integrating modern technology to prepare our students for the future. Vocational training centres will also be established to equip youths with practical skills for the workforce. Okpebholo plans to improve access to quality healthcare services by building more primary health centres, equipping hospitals, and ensuring adequate staffing across the state. The focus will be on preventive healthcare, maternal health, and ensuring that no Edo citizen is left behind. Okpebholo also has a clear plan for infrastructure development – roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure that support commerce and connectivity will be prioritised. His administration will make sure rural areas are not neglected, enhancing the movement of goods and people, and promoting economic growth across the state. I believe under his leadership, Edo will experience an agricultural revolution. There will be investment in mechanised farming, access to low-interest loans for farmers, and the establishment of agro-processing zones to create jobs and boost food security. This will ensure that Edo becomes a hub for agricultural production and export. Okpebholo’s focus on youth is one of the cornerstones of his campaign. He plans to create platforms for youth entrepreneurship, offer more vocational training, and ensure youth involvement in governance. His administration will work to ensure that young people are empowered to become leaders and contributors to the economic and political growth of the state. So, Edo can expect a government that is focused on progress, inclusivity, and real solutions for the challenges we face. A man who was born into a poor background knows what hunger is and our candidate is someone who knows more about agriculture and Edo State has  one of the fertile lands in Nigeria.

How would you assess Governor Godwin Obaseki’s eight years in charge?

Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration has made efforts in some areas, like in education through the EdoBEST programme, which improved the learning outcomes in primary schools. However, after eight years, there are still many critical areas that have not seen the level of progress Edo citizens hoped for. In terms of roads and infrastructure, the progress has been uneven. While we have seen some major roads in urban areas improved, many rural areas remain neglected, with critical infrastructure like roads and bridges in poor condition. This has hindered not only local economic growth but also the movement of goods and services, especially for our farmers and traders. Rural communities have struggled with impassable roads, making access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities a challenge. Beyond roads, the state’s infrastructure development in sectors like electricity, water supply, and public facilities has not been as transformative as it should be. These are essential for economic development, and Edo still faces gaps that must be addressed if we are to attract more investments and ensure that the benefits of growth are felt across all parts of the state. Most concerning is the disconnection between the youth and the government, with many young people still feeling marginalised in decision-making processes and struggling with unemployment. While we recognise the attempts made under Obaseki’s leadership, Edo needs a new vision—one that builds on what has been done but also addresses the gaps in governance. We need leadership that is more inclusive, more engaged with the people, and more focused on delivering tangible results in every sector. For someone like Governor Godwin obaseki, who is well educated, I think he should have done far better knowing fully well the benefits of being educated. Most people who are making impact in the world today were trained by the poor parents who did not know the four walls of school, but they knew that by giving them the best education they will do well in life but that was not the case of a governor that even knows the value of education, so, we must think well and think right.

Okpebholo says if he wins, he’ll continue from where ex-Gov Adams Oshiomhole and not where Obaseki stopped. Don’t you think governance should be a continuum?

Governance should absolutely be a continuum, with each administration building on the successes of its predecessors. However, it’s also essential that we critically assess where past policies have worked and where adjustments are needed to ensure progress. When Okpebholo says he will continue from where ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole stopped, he is referring to a focus on the policies and programmes that had a tangible, positive impact on Edo State during Oshiomhole’s tenure—particularly in areas like infrastructure development, road construction, and youth empowerment. Oshiomhole’s administration prioritised the development of critical infrastructure across both rural and urban areas, and Okpebholo intends to reignite that momentum, ensuring that infrastructure projects are not only continued but expanded to benefit all Edo citizens. He believes that the emphasis on accountability, job creation, and robust economic growth during Oshiomhole’s tenure laid a strong foundation for development, and that revisiting those priorities will fast-track Edo’s progress. That said, Okpebholo is fully aware that governance is about moving the state forward, not backward. His vision is to build on the successes of the past while correcting any shortcomings, to ensure that Edo thrives. He will certainly continue policies that have worked under Obaseki, but his commitment is to refocus on what he believes are the core priorities for the state’s development—infrastructure, agriculture, youth engagement, and rural development. Let me talk about the state capital Benin City and not the rural areas. In Benin, there are no good roads, no drainage system after eight years; it’s sad. If Okpebholo  is saying he will continue from where ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole stopped, I personally do not see anything wrong with that, this is not political but fact. So, hopefully, Senator Okpebholo is coming to unlock Edo’s full potential.

The PDP has refused to sign the Peace Accord ahead of the poll. What do you think this portends for the election?

The refusal of the PDP to sign the Peace Accord raises concerns about the potential for heightened tension during the election. Peace accords are vital to ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process, as they commit parties to avoid violence, inflammatory rhetoric, and intimidation. This decision could send a message that there may be underlying concerns about the fairness of the process or intentions to challenge results in ways that could disrupt peace. It may also signal a reluctance to engage in the spirit of collaboration that these accords promote. While the accord itself is not legally binding, it is a strong symbol of each party’s commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that the election remains issue-based and non-violent. As the first citizen of the state, what message is he sending to  others, is that the reason he mentioned few days ago that this election is a do-or-die affair?  The Federal Government should please look into it to ensure there is peace by all means .

What’s your reaction to PDP’s allegation that their members are being arrested by the police and taken to Abuja ?

This still goes down to the issues of violence in the state, the police cannot just go all out and start arresting people if there was no report of violence.  There are evidence where some of the PDP members attacked the APC members with all kinds of objects, which almost took their lives and it was not just one attack. I think if proper action was not taken by now, Edo State would have turned to a war zone. People go to the Supreme Court when they do not have a fair judgment, so if PDP members are attacking the opposite parties in a PDP state, do you think there will be fair justice?

Corruption is a common problem in governance. What steps do you think should be taken to promote transparency and accountability if APC wins the election?

One of the most effective ways to fight corruption is by empowering anti-corruption institutions, such as the Edo State Public Procurement Agency and the Anti-Corruption Commissions. These institutions should be independent, well-funded, and given the authority to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices without political interference. Implementing an open governance policy would promote transparency in government dealings. This includes making government contracts, budgets, and expenditures publicly accessible. Digital platforms could be used to allow citizens to track how public funds are allocated and spent, ensuring transparency. Introducing e-governance systems for public services can significantly reduce the opportunity for corruption. By digitising government services such as tax collection, business registrations, and land administration, there would be less room for bureaucratic bottlenecks and under-the-table dealings. Establishing strong whistleblower protections will encourage individuals to report corrupt practices without fear of reprisal. This ensures that citizens, civil servants, and other stakeholders can expose corruption when they encounter it. Regular and detailed public audits of government projects, particularly infrastructure and public service programmes, should be conducted and made available to the public. Citizens should be able to monitor government projects from inception to completion. The State House of Assembly must be empowered to exercise proper oversight over the executive branch. This includes regular reviews of budgets, audits, and procurement processes to ensure that public funds are used responsibly. Leadership by example is critical. Okpebholo and the APC must demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, starting from the top. By ensuring that all political appointees and public servants are held to high ethical standards, it sets a precedent for integrity in governance. Educating the public on their rights and the importance of demanding accountability from their leaders is vital. Encouraging citizens to participate in governance, report corrupt practices, and hold their leaders accountable will create a culture of transparency. Lastly, if a corrupt governor is bring in a successor then the corruption continues but when the present governor knows that the other parties can succeed him, I think they will be cautious in terms of corruption.

Does the party has any plan to leverage your relationship with the APC-led Federal Government to attract more federal projects and investments to Edo State if your candidate wins?

If Okpebholo wins, one of the key strategies will be to leverage our strong relationship with the APC-led Federal Government to secure more federal projects and investments for Edo State. Our party’s alignment with the federal administration offers several opportunities. We will actively seek partnerships with federal ministries and agencies to co-develop projects that address critical infrastructure needs, such as roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities. By aligning state priorities with federal objectives, we can access funding and support for projects that benefit our citizens. We will work to ensure that Edo State benefits from federal grants and programmes aimed at development and poverty alleviation. This includes applying for federal funds dedicated to education, agriculture, and urban development. We will advocate for Edo’s inclusion in federal infrastructure programmes, ensuring that our state receives a fair share of investment in critical areas like transportation and energy, which are essential for economic growth. By maintaining strong ties with the FG, we will be in a better position to attract federal-backed investments and initiatives that stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and foster local businesses. In summary, our goal will be to harness this relationship to secure federal support and resources, ensuring that Edo not only benefits from national development initiatives but also stands out as a key player in the region’s growth and prosperity.