Ex-LG chair joins Edo assembly race

A former Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Frank Ilaboya, has obtained the All Progressives Congress nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the Edo State House of Assembly seat representing Owan West.

Ilaboya, a former Chairman of the Edo Football Association and ex-Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), picked up the forms in Benin City on Friday.

Speaking to journalists, he expressed confidence in his chances and praised the party’s internal process.

He said, “I promise to apply myself with total determination and commitment to this onerous assignment and by the grace of God, victory is assured.”

He added that the party had created a fair environment for aspirants ahead of the primaries.

“I am grateful to the party and its Edo State leadership for providing a level playing field for the aspirants and for me personally, it is a great opportunity to demonstrate my grassroot support during the forthcoming primaries.

“I am confident of my capacity and the reach to make the needed difference in the primaries,” he further noted.

Ilaboya said his political strength lies in grassroots connections and expressed optimism about the contest.

“I go into this race with my strong grassroots connection and I believe this, alongside the generous goodwill of my people, will see me through,” the ex-SWAN boss stated.

He also expressed full confidence in the APC’s ability to conduct a credible primary election.

Ilaboya stressed, “Yes, I believe 100 per cent of our party’s ability to conduct a free and fair primaries. The fact that nomination forms were made available to interested aspirants without stress attest to this.

“Our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has demonstrated again and again that it’s a party of democrats, and this is what has played out during the collection of nomination forms.

“All aspirants have been promised a level playing field and I have no doubt to think otherwise.”

Commenting on the leadership of Monday Okpebholo, Ilaboya described him as fair-minded and committed to internal democracy.

“Even though I am not the governor’s spokesperson, I can tell you with all conviction that our amiable governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo is not only a fair minded person, but a democrat to the core! He has always advocated for fairness in dealing with Edo State people,” he declared.

He added that the availability of nomination forms to multiple aspirants showed openness in the process.

The aspirant noted, “The fact that the Party has encouraged as many aspirants to pick nomination forms is a clear indication that the field is open to all.”

Ilaboya said he is prepared for a competitive primary and remains optimistic about victory.

“I am prepared to work extra hard to come out victorious. With God, all things are possible,” he concluded.