Edo State deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, has expressed optimism that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the forthcoming local government elections across the state.

Mr Idahosa stated this while addressing APC party faithful and leaders at the official declaration of local government elections in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.

The council election is slated for July 11, following the release of the final list of candidates by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

Addressing journalists in Iguobazuwa on Tuesday, Mr Idahosa said the APC had intensified grassroots mobilisation across the council area.

He expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the local government elections.

“We are going to campaign in all the nooks and crannies of Ovia South West to ensure that APC wins the day,” he said.

The deputy governor stated that the party had officially flagged off its local government campaign with rallies across the council, beginning with visits to Udo, Iguobazuwa East and Iguobazuwa West wards.

He said party faithful and leaders were received by ‘enthusiastic’ supporters.

Mr Idahosa, who described the turnout as encouraging, added that the massive attendance reflected growing confidence in the APC and its candidates.

“We started campaigns today, first was at Udo Ward, then Iguobazuwa East and Iguobazuwa West wards.

“We visited those three wards, and the turnout was amazing. This election will be keenly contested, but we are very sure that APC will win,” he said.

The deputy governor described the emergence of the APC chairmanship candidate, Anthony Osarobo, as the beginning of a new political era for the council, urging residents to support the aspirant, whom he described as youthful, with their votes.

On his part, Mr Osarobo expressed satisfaction with the reception he got from residents during the campaign.

“The turnout is high. It shows they believe in us and Edo,” he said.

During the rallies, the party formally presented Mr Osarobo and his running mate, Isaac Bakare, to supporters, while councillorship candidates from the various wards were also introduced and given the opportunity to engage directly with voters.

(NAN)