From Ebohon Joan
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on residents of the state to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, setting a target of 2.5 million votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The governor made the call on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during the APC flag-off rally at urhokpota Hall, Edo State, where he urged party supporters, youths and women to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the January 16, 2027, election.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Okpebholo expressed confidence in the APC’s electoral prospects, insisting that the party was well-positioned to secure victory.
“If it is not Asiwaju, then we are not voting,” the governor declared, reaffirming his support for President Tinubu.
He described the political atmosphere as favourable to the ruling party, dismissing concerns about the opposition and urging supporters not to be distracted by political developments.
Okpebholo also used the occasion to defend his administration’s performance, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security and urban development.
According to him, his government’s interventions in road construction, the fight against kidnapping and cultism, market development, education and the construction of overhead bridges were gradually transforming the state.
“Edo State is shining,” he declared.
The governor cited improvements along Sapele Road as an example of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that motorists could now travel with greater confidence.
He also recalled a recent telephone conversation with one of his administration’s critics, who, according to him, acknowledged the visible development taking place in the state after personally visiting Edo.
Okpebholo said the encounter had reinforced his determination to work harder rather than be distracted by criticism.
The governor, however, accused some opposition politicians of seeking political power to advance personal interests, particularly in relation to land ownership and alleged land grabbing.
He urged Edo residents to reject politicians whose interests, he alleged, were driven by personal gain rather than public service.
On the relationship between the Federal Government and Edo State, Okpebholo described President Tinubu as a father figure whose leadership and support were important to the state’s development.
He consequently urged families to engage in political mobilisation at the grassroots, encouraging parents and children to discuss the importance of continuity in governance.
“If we want progress in Edo State, our 2.5 million votes must count for Asiwaju,” he said.
The governor stressed that electoral victory would depend on individual contributions, urging party members to mobilise voters and ensure that every vote counted.
He maintained that the APC must build on its current political momentum and sustain its mobilisation efforts beyond the 2027 elections, towards 2028.
Concluding his remarks, Okpebholo thanked party supporters for their loyalty and promised to celebrate with them after the electoral contest.
In a lighter moment, the governor reminded the audience that he does not drink alcohol, joking that he would rather celebrate with them after victory is declared over Guinness Malt.
He ended by thanking the people for their support and praying for Edo State and Nigeria.
