Okpebholo Confident in Tinubu’s Reelection
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed strong confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubuwill secure a landslide victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in Benin City on Wednesday, Okpebholo made this assertion while addressing 17 local government chairmenwho recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He praised Tinubu’s leadership, particularly for taking bold steps like the removal of fuel subsidies, a decision previous administrations hesitated to make. According to the governor, such economic measures are necessary to put Nigeria on the path to sustainable development.
Edo State’s Transformation Under Okpebholo
Okpebholo assured the defectors that his administration is committed to developing Edo State and improving the lives of its citizens. He emphasized that in just four months since assuming office, his team has transformed Edo’s governance and reversed past policies that stifled progress.
“2027 is a reality in Edo State, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue in office. I charge all of you to begin the campaign now. Go back to your local governments, put up his billboards, and spread the message—there is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027,” he declared.
The governor also criticized opposition figures, alleging that during their tenure, their states suffered from rampant kidnappings, which have since reduced under new leadership.
Defectors Welcomed into APC
Welcoming the former PDP chairmen, Okpebholo praised their courage in switching allegiance to the APC, stating that it takes a true politician to make such a decision.
“When we took office, Edo was not working. What we met were insecurity, killings, and looting of state resources through fraudulent consultancy deals. The past administration’s backward policies dragged Edo behind, but we are here to change that narrative,” he said.
Lawrence Okah, the State APC Secretary, officially received the defectors, urging them to integrate with existing party members and work towards strengthening APC’s hold on Edo.
Hon. Kelvin Iyere, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Esan Central Local Government, spoke on behalf of the defectors, citing internal crises in the PDP and their admiration for Governor Okpebholo’s leadership as the key reasons for their defection.
PDP Alleges Financial Inducement of Defectors
Reacting to the defections, Chris Nehikhare, the Edo State PDP Publicity Secretary, accused Governor Okpebholo of offering each defector N2 million to switch parties.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo summoned all councillors from the 18 local councils of Edo State to a meeting at the Government House, offering them N2 million each to defect to APC,” Nehikhare alleged in a statement.
He condemned the use of state resources for political gains while critical sectors such as security, healthcare, education, and public safety suffer neglect.
“In the last few weeks, Edo has witnessed at least 40 killings due to rising insecurity. Non-state actors continue to terrorize residents, affecting revenue generation and public safety. Meanwhile, Edo’s healthcare system is in shambles, with the Specialist Hospital struggling due to a lack of essential medical supplies,” he said.
The PDP vowed to challenge Okpebholo’s administration, insisting that the September 21, 2024 governorship election results were manipulated and that Asue Ighodalo remains the rightful winner.
“Rather than using public funds to buy political loyalty, Okpebholo should focus on meaningful projects that will benefit Edo people during his short stay in office. The judiciary will soon restore the stolen mandate to the PDP,” Nehikhare declared.
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