The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo to make his first public appearance, either in a physical TownHall, television or radio stations, to speak to Edo people on his plans for Edo people.
The party in a statement signed by the Director General Media and Publicity of Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, said “Three months after Senator Okpebholo emerged candidate of the APC through a controversial primary process, he is yet to speak to Edo people on any organised physical forum, or through known electronic media of television or radio.
“Several television stations including renowned stations like Channels and Arise have made repeated calls for his appearance and all such calls have proved abortive. Even Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was begged by Channels TV to bring him, but the man continues to run away from all such public engagements. We believe that another golden opportunity presents itself again. We are shocked that he is shunning it again, and is recruiting his adies to go and speak for him.
The party revealed that it’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo has continued to engage the people of Edo State on all known electronic platforms and sometimes at the shortest possible notice.
While challenging the APC candidate, it said that it is willing at whatever time and location to debate the candidate of the APC on any physical forum, or on reputable radio and television stations, at any time or day.
“Only the candidates of political parties can speak better about and for themselves as our candidate Dr Asue Ighodalo has been doing. No barber can cut anyone’s hair in his absence in the same way no one can speak better for a candidate other than the candidate himself !
“Any debate therefore that would not involve the candidates of the political parties, especially that of the APC, who has not found it reasonable to engage freely the Edo people cannot be seen to do credible and would be to no effect!”