Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has thrown his full political weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, declaring that Nigeria cannot afford to replace a leader whose bold reforms are already reshaping the nation.
Speaking at the inauguration of senatorial, local government and youth coordinators for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, Okpebholo said the President’s performance across critical sectors has earned him the right to a second term. The event was held on Tuesday at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub along Airport Road, Benin City.
Commending Tinubu’s reforms in petroleum, security, education and the economy, the governor urged Edo people to rally behind the President and ensure his return to Aso Rock in 2027.
“I promised Mr President 2.5 million votes. Our party chairman added to it, the women leader also added, and now we have 3.9 million votes. Edo people must deliver on this promise,” Okpebholo said.
He expressed confidence that Edo citizens across all demographics, including youths and the elderly, are prepared for massive mobilisation, stressing that the President’s record in governance is unmatched.
“It is not just about the agenda; it is about the capacity to mobilise. Edo people are prepared. Nobody can beat Asiwaju’s record in governance. We cannot replace a man who is performing,” the governor added.
Okpebholo further noted that with 30 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Tinubu’s re-election campaign is already well fortified, insisting that victory in 2027 is assured.
He charged chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas to erect at least 20 billboards each and ensure that the Renewed Hope message penetrates grassroots communities, including churches, mosques and other religious institutions.
“The religious groups must hear this message. Churches and mosques must be involved. Religious groups will be inaugurated soon,” he said.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, pledged unwavering loyalty to Governor Okpebholo and assured him of his full support in delivering Edo State for President Tinubu.
“No one can use me against the governor. I am loyal, and I stand with you 100 per cent. Together, we will deliver Edo for President Tinubu in 2027,” Idahosa declared.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said Edo women are firmly behind the APC, noting that women constitute 51 per cent of the state’s voting population.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said Governor Okpebholo’s performance in office would further energise the mobilisation of votes for President Tinubu.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, praised the governor’s developmental strides, describing his administration as one that is steadily transforming the state and improving the welfare of residents. He also commended the Edo State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sylvester Aiggboboh, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver the required votes for the President.
In his welcome address, Aiggboboh applauded President Tinubu’s “bold and courageous” reforms, saying they are already attracting investors and restoring hope among Nigerians. He added that the benefits of fuel subsidy removal are beginning to manifest.
“The objective of this group is to foster inclusiveness, galvanise grassroots support and consolidate the gains towards President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he said, urging members to remain loyal to the party and the nation.
The three senatorial leaders of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors—Joshua Uwagboe (Edo South), Hon. Odinose Okojie (Edo Central) and Hon. Abdul Lawani (Edo North)—thanked Governor Okpebholo for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to take the campaign message to the grassroots to secure President Tinubu’s re-election.
In all, coordinators were inaugurated across the three senatorial districts, the 18 local government areas of the state and among youth groups, signalling the formal kick-off of Edo State’s mobilisation drive ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
