A former Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Frank Ilaboya, has obtained the All Progressives Congress nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for a seat in the Edo State House of Assembly.
Ilaboya, who also previously served as Chairman of the Edo Football Association, said he was fully prepared for the contest and expressed confidence in emerging victorious at the party’s primary election.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City after picking up the forms, the aspirant said he was optimistic that the APC would conduct a free and fair primary.
He said, “I promise to apply myself with total determination and commitment to this onerous assignment and, by the grace of God, victory is assured.”
Ilaboya commended the party’s leadership in Edo State for what he described as a level playing field for all aspirants, noting that the process of obtaining the forms was seamless.
“I am grateful to the party and its Edo State leadership for providing a level playing field for aspirants. For me, it is a great opportunity to demonstrate my grassroots support during the forthcoming primaries,” he added.
The former council chairman said he would rely on his grassroots connection and goodwill among the people to secure the party’s ticket.
“I go into this race with my strong grassroots connection and I believe this, alongside the generous goodwill of my people, will see me through,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the party’s internal democratic process, Ilaboya maintained that the APC had consistently demonstrated its commitment to fairness.
“The fact that nomination forms were made available to interested aspirants without stress attests to this. Our great party has shown again that it is a party of democrats,” he stated.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a fair-minded leader committed to equity.
“Even though I am not the governor’s spokesperson, I can say with conviction that the governor is a democrat who believes in fairness. There is no reason to doubt the integrity of the process,” Ilaboya said.
He reiterated his determination to secure the party’s ticket, adding that he was ready to work hard throughout the process.
“I am prepared to work extra hard to come out victorious. With God, all things are possible,” he said.
