The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has called on residents of Ovia federal constituency to rally behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, in the upcoming August 16 by-election.

Idahosa, who previously represented the constituency before assuming office as deputy governor, said the party is confident of securing overwhelming support due to its developmental record and candidate’s local roots.

During a campaign stop in Uhen and Isiuwa communities in Ovia North East Local Government Area on Monday, Idahosa told APC members and community leaders that the party was targeting a near-total victory.

“I can assure you that the APC will get 98 per cent of the votes in the election in Ovia federal constituency. We don’t need to talk much at Isiuwa because this is Omosede’s community, and Ovia North-East is her local government area,” he said.

The remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo.

He further encouraged the party’s grassroots structures to mobilise eligible voters and ensure active participation on election day, stating that the campaign would not relent until victory is secured.

“My aim is to see that the election is concluded and victory announced in favour of the APC by 1 pm on election day,” he added.

Idahosa also noted that while he and Igbinedion may have had political differences in the past, they share common goals focused on constituency development.

Igbinedion, while addressing the crowd, expressed gratitude to the deputy governor for personally supporting her campaign. She pledged to pursue infrastructural development, particularly in healthcare, electrification, and agriculture.

“We will complete electrification projects already initiated, provide healthcare where needed, and ensure farmers have access to agricultural inputs,” she said.

Warning party members against political disloyalty in exchange for financial inducements, Igbinedion stressed the importance of unity within the APC.

She also addressed her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, describing it as a strategic move to align with the federal government.

“APC is the only team that is afloat and floating. Our ship is beautiful, it is a beautiful yacht, and it is ready for everybody,” she said.

The by-election was necessitated by the vacancy created when Idahosa assumed the deputy governorship following recent political realignments in Edo State.