Strategic Endorsement: How the Tipper Drivers Association’s Support for Okpebholo and Idahosa Signals a Crucial Win for APC Ahead of the Edo Guber Election
Strategic Endorsement: How the Tipper Drivers Association’s Support for Okpebholo and Idahosa Signals a Crucial Win for APC Ahead of the Edo Guber Election
As the countdown to the September 21st Edo gubernatorial election nears its final stretch, every endorsement holds weight, but some carry more strategic significance than others. The recent endorsement of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Rt. Hon Dennis Idahosa by the Edo Tipper Drivers Association, Oka/Idogbo branch, is one such critical backing that could prove decisive for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This endorsement comes less than a week before the election, and its timing is not coincidental. The tipper drivers are an influential group in Edo State, representing the transport sector that powers much of the local economy. Their work in construction, transportation, and goods delivery forms the backbone of many industries in the state.
Their collective influence on the ground cannot be overstated. An endorsement of this magnitude sends a resounding message to other workers and stakeholders in Edo: the APC candidates are the clear choice for those seeking leadership that understands and prioritizes the welfare of the common man.
What makes this endorsement particularly impactful is the personal connection between Dennis Idahosa and the association. Idahosa’s first major investment after returning to Nigeria was in Ikpoba-Okha, where he directly employed many tipper drivers. This relationship has built trust, and the drivers have experienced firsthand his commitment to improving their livelihoods. His promise to tackle key issues affecting the tipper drivers—such as poor road infrastructure and the alarming rate of kidnappings along critical transport routes—resonates deeply with the association’s members.
In political terms, this endorsement goes beyond symbolic support. It signifies the confidence of a crucial segment of the electorate in the APC’s ability to deliver real change. The tipper drivers’ endorsement is a reflection of the broader discontent within Edo over years of underinvestment in infrastructure and lack of security reforms. By backing Okpebholo and Idahosa, the drivers are expressing hope that a new government will prioritize addressing their challenges head-on.
Furthermore, this endorsement adds momentum to the APC’s campaign at a pivotal time. With the election just days away, the show of support energizes the party’s base and can help sway undecided voters. It also strengthens the narrative that Okpebholo and Idahosa are not only leaders with plans but also candidates who have earned the trust of the people through their actions.
Ultimately, the endorsement by the Edo Tipper Drivers Association underscores the strategic importance of grassroots support in this election. It is a clear indicator that the APC has tapped into the pulse of the people, and with such influential backing, Okpebholo and Idahosa are positioned as the candidates who can lead Edo toward progress and stability.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.
