By Abel Johngold
Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, was again typically missing in action on Saturday as he failed to show up at a town hall meeting organized by the people of Owan nation in the Edo North District.
Okpebholo was expected to speak to the people about his plans to develop the region if elected.
Meanwhile, high flying Dr. Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was the cynosure of all eyes and toast of the crowd as he held the audience spell bound.
The three leading candidates of PDP, APC and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party were all invited to come and share their manifesto with the people of Owan Nation.
Ighodalo got resounding applause after applause as he answered all questions about his preparedness to develop the Owan nation.
An insider who pleaded anonymity said the organizers knew Okpebholo would not attend the Political Dialogue Meeting as he lacks the capacity and wherewithal to confidently and articulately discussed what he has for the state and Owan nation, that is if he has anything at all.
“I can tell you that the organizers are not surprised at all. They knew he wouldn’t come. They are aware he doesn’t possess the competence or capacity to stand before the people and discuss in a coherent manner whatever he has in stock for the state and thee Owan nation, assuming he has anything at all.
“We are satisfied with what we have heard from the PDP candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo. Okpebholo has just dug his political grave in Owan nation. We cannot wait for the man who can’t make out time for us. The import of his hiding from the programe, staying away if you like, is to tell you that he does not have time for our nation. Well, I guess we, too, don’t have time for him”.
While all attempts to unravel his whereabouts proved abortive, efforts to reach out to his aides also proved unsuccessful.