BANKOLE-BALOGUN LAUDS PROF. IHONVBERE’S POST-PRIMARY STATESMANSHIP AS GOLD STANDARD FOR AKOKO-EDO POLITICIANS

Akoko-Edo, Edo State – July 13, 2026

Otunba Hon. Oladele Bankole-Balogun Esq., the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for the House of Representatives, Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, has described the post-primary conduct of the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius O. Ihonvbere, CON, DSSRS, as a masterclass in political maturity, party loyalty, and principled leadership worthy of emulation by all aspiring politicians in Akoko-Edo and across Edo State.

In a statement issued today, Bankole-Balogun hailed Prof. Ihonvbere’s gracious acceptance of the National Working Committee’s resolution on the May 15, 2026 APC primaries in Owan Federal Constituency — despite his deeply held convictions about the process — as a shining example of unflinching commitment to party supremacy.

“The House Leader’s statement of July 10th represents the highest expression of political sophistication and patriotism,” Bankole-Balogun declared. “By boldly affirming ‘I am a party man that is not desperate for power’ and calling for calm, unity, and total support for all APC candidates, Prof. Ihonvbere has set a benchmark of discipline and sacrifice that every young politician in Akoko-Edo must study and internalize.”

Prof. Ihonvbere had earlier urged party leaders and stakeholders to “ignore every provocation, reject violence in all its forms, and set aside every grievance,” emphasizing that the collective success of the APC and the greater national interest far outweigh individual disappointments.

Bankole-Balogun emphasized that such exemplary leadership strengthens democratic institutions and fortifies party cohesion at a critical time. “True statesmanship is defined by the willingness to subordinate personal ambition to the collective will of the party and the aspirations of the people,” he said. “Prof. Ihonvbere has embodied this ideal, and it is this ethos of loyalty, restraint, and unity that we must now instill in the next generation of leaders from Akoko-Edo.”

He therefore called on all APC faithful across the constituency to rally behind the House Leader’s counsel, close ranks, and mobilize vigorously for the victory of all APC candidates in the upcoming general elections.

“The struggle for a better Edo and a greater Nigeria continues,” Bankole-Balogun affirmed. “And it must be waged in unbreakable unity, unwavering loyalty, and relentless purpose.”