Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused desperate politicians of fuelling insecurity across the country in a bid to gain political power, warning them to stop distracting President Bola Tinubu from delivering on his mandate.
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday in Benin City during the flag-off of the Edo South APC Local Government Election Campaign and the unveiling of the party’s candidates for the July 2026 council polls.
Okpebholo specifically called for the immediate and unconditional release of schoolchildren recently abducted in Oyo State, alleging that the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity was being orchestrated by politicians pursuing power at all costs.
“But I can also say that those people that are seeking for power, let them stop disturbing our President. Let them stop disturbing our President,” he declared.
According to the governor, President Tinubu should be allowed to concentrate on developing the country and strengthening security rather than being distracted by politically motivated crises.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. If they kidnap everybody in this country, who are they going to govern?” he asked.
Okpebholo further warned that those sponsoring criminal activities should not expect political rewards, insisting that the President would not guarantee any position for individuals involved in destabilising the country.
The governor urged APC members and voters across Edo South to deliver overwhelming victories for the party in the forthcoming local government elections and also support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He attributed the ongoing infrastructural transformation in Edo State to the collaboration between his administration and the Federal Government.
“Today is a special day. It is not just about introducing our candidates. It is also about what we are seeing on the ground. For years, people did not witness developments like this,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, declared that opposition parties in the State had lost relevance due to the performance of the Okpebholo administration.
“Today, the PDP is dead. All the other political parties are dead because Edo now has a real governor and the State is shining,” Tenebe said.
He noted that the APC campaign would focus on showcasing the administration’s achievements, including road projects, flyovers and other infrastructure developments across the State.
Tenebe also took a swipe at leaders of opposition parties, particularly the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), claiming they lacked the organisational capacity to conduct credible primaries and provide effective leadership.
Also speaking, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended Okpebholo’s leadership style, describing him as a visionary leader committed to youth empowerment and development.
“Your leadership is empowering young people. The emergence of vibrant and capable youths as candidates from the APC primary election is evidence of that commitment,” Idahosa said.
He assured the President and the APC leadership of Edo State’s support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Some of the APC local government candidates who spoke with Uptown Press expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for providing a platform for young leaders to emerge and pledged to mobilise support for the party ahead of the council elections.
