Your Excellency,
It is with a profound sense of duty, loyalty, and commitment to the advancement of our dear Edo State that I, Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie, a proud son of the soil and a dedicated chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), write this open letter to you.
I extend my warmest congratulations on your historic and well-deserved election as the Governor of Edo State. Your emergence represents a beacon of hope and a new dawn for our people, who have long yearned for visionary, purposeful, and progressive leadership.
This letter is both a personal reflection and a public testimony of my journey, sacrifices, and steadfast support for your administration and the greater good of Edo State.
My journey in the gubernatorial race:
My aspiration to govern Edo State was not borne out of ambition, but of a sincere desire to deliver visionary leadership and practical solutions to the myriad challenges facing our people. Initially, I sought this mandate under the platform of the Labour Party (LP), having being the Global Coordinator of the Support Group, Diaspora Strong for Peter Obi, believing it to be a credible alternative for driving meaningful change.
However, my experience with the Labour Party was deeply disappointing. Despite my unwavering commitment, grassroots mobilization, and clear vision, the leadership of the party compromised the integrity of the electoral process. The ticket was brazenly sold to the highest bidder, relegating credibility, competence, and grassroots acceptability in favor of mercantile politics. It was a betrayal not just of me, but of the hopes and aspirations of the good people of Edo State who looked forward to genuine change.
Transition to the National Rescue Movement (NRM):
Undeterred, I found refuge in the National Rescue Movement (NRM), a platform more aligned with my values and vision for Edo State. However, the journey was anything but smooth. I faced a grueling legal battle, as vested interests sought to deny me my rightful mandate.
Despite the immense personal and financial sacrifices—including substantial legal expenses at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja—I persevered. Justice ultimately prevailed, with the High Court declaring me the authentic Governorship candidate of NRM, a verdict upheld by the Court of Appeal.
My travels between the United States, Abuja, and Edo State, coupled with the high costs of litigation, placed significant strain on my personal resources. Yet, I remained undaunted, fueled by an unshakable belief in the righteousness of our cause.
Collapsing my structure in support of your candidacy:
Recognizing the larger political dynamics and the urgent need for unity to rescue our dear state, I made the strategic and selfless decision to collapse my formidable political structure and rally my teeming supporters behind Your Excellency’s candidacy.
This was no mere endorsement; it was a full, practical, and visible mobilization effort, backed by documented and pictorial evidence. From galvanizing the electorates across polling units to energizing ward meetings and coordinating major rallies, I committed my energy, resources, and influence to your victory.
On the day of the gubernatorial election, I proudly delivered my polling unit in Egor Local Government Area, a feat documented with pictorial and video proof. I also played a pivotal role during the historic Egor Rally, which coincided with my official defection to the APC. That day marked a political reawakening and rekindled hope for countless Edo citizens.
Furthermore, my efforts extended to Ward 9 in Egor Local Government Area, where, through strategic engagements and community mobilization, we secured overwhelming support for the APC.
Role in Yoruba Community endorsement:
Understanding the importance of unity across ethnic divides, I played an instrumental role in securing the endorsement of Your Excellency by the Yoruba Community in Edo State. Through relentless dialogue and bridge-building, I ensured that this crucial bloc was firmly on our side, thus contributing significantly to our electoral success.
Accompanying You to INEC for the Collection of Your Certificate of Return :
As a further demonstration of my unwavering loyalty and support, I was honored to accompany Your Excellency to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja for the collection of your Certificate of Return. That moment symbolized not just a political triumph, but the victory of hope, sacrifice, and the will of the people.
Reflections on political appointments and future aspirations:
Your Excellency, in the spirit of equity, loyalty, and fairness, I humbly remind you of the critical role played by myself and my supporters in the struggle for this victory. I trust that you will honor the understanding reached with stakeholders like myself, particularly in recognizing the aspiration for the House of Representatives seat for Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency, which remains a legitimate and burning desire among our people.
Political appointments are not just rewards for loyalty; they are investments in the continued growth and stability of the APC and your administration. I am confident that Your Excellency will extend deserving recognition to those who fought gallantly and selflessly for the actualization of your mandate.
Your Excellency, my journey has been marked by immense sacrifices, perseverance, betrayals endured, and an unshakable commitment to the greater good of Edo State. As a loyal party chieftain and a true believer in progressive ideals, I remain steadfast in my support for your administration.
I am fully committed to working with you to ensure that Edo State experiences unprecedented growth, unity, and prosperity. Our people deserve no less, and I am confident that under your leadership, the future of Edo State is exceedingly bright.
May Almighty God grant you the wisdom, strength, and courage to steer our beloved state towards enduring greatness.
Once again, congratulations, my Governor. The journey has just begun, and I am honored to walk it alongside you.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie
APC Chieftain, Edo State.
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