Edo State Governor Okpebholo, has vowed to secure an overwhelming victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. With confidence, he asserted, “Edo is now Lagos, 2027 is sealed for Mr. President. We will deliver Edo to you, 18 over 18 LGA.” This statement underscores his commitment to ensuring total APC control across all local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
Governor Okpebholo made this pronouncement while addressing party stakeholders in Benin City, highlighting the APC’s growing influence. He emphasized that Edo’s political landscape is shifting in favor of the ruling party, positioning it as the dominant force ahead of the 2024 governorship election and the 2027 general elections. With a combination of strategic political maneuvers, grassroots engagement, and developmental initiatives, he insists that Edo will be a cornerstone of APC’s national success.
Mass Defections Reshape Edo’s Political Landscape
A key factor driving the APC’s growing strength in Edo is the recent mass defection of 17 out of 18 acting local government chairmen from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. This wave of defections significantly weakens the PDP’s influence at the grassroots level and fortifies the APC’s chances of securing a landslide in the upcoming elections.
Speaking at the New Festival Hall in Benin City, Okpebholo welcomed the defectors and praised their decision to align with the ruling party. He described their move as a reflection of the electorate’s growing trust in the APC’s governance and developmental agenda. The Governor emphasized that the defection spree is only the beginning, as more opposition members are expected to join the APC ahead of future elections.
Strategic Development and Security Initiatives
Governor Okpebholo has outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure Edo State remains secure and economically viable under his administration. His strategy includes improving infrastructure, boosting security, and restoring the statutory rights of traditional rulers, particularly the Oba of Benin, to foster unity and governance stability.
The Governor emphasized that traditional institutions play a crucial role in maintaining peace within communities, and his administration is committed to strengthening their influence. By working closely with local leaders, he aims to curb crime, enhance grassroots governance, and establish Edo as a model of stability and progress.
Economic Reforms and Workers’ Welfare
To address economic challenges and improve governance efficiency, Governor Okpebholo has pledged to clear all outstanding salaries of local government workers within his first 100 days in office. He recognizes that unpaid salaries have been a major issue affecting the welfare and productivity of government employees, and resolving this will be a top priority.
Beyond salary payments, the Governor has also committed to granting financial autonomy to local governments. By allowing them greater control over revenue generation and expenditure, he aims to accelerate development at the grassroots level and ensure that local administrations have the resources needed to serve their communities effectively.
Social Welfare and Grassroots Empowerment
Governor Okpebholo has reaffirmed his support for social welfare programs that uplift vulnerable communities in Edo State. One of the flagship initiatives under his administration is the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) food outreach, spearheaded by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. This program provides essential food supplies to struggling households, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.
Additionally, the Governor has pledged to expand social intervention programs in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. His administration is working on strategies to provide small business grants, improve access to quality education, and strengthen the state’s healthcare system, further solidifying Edo’s commitment to APC’s national development agenda.
Political Fallout and Opposition’s Response
The PDP has reacted sharply to the recent defections and Governor Okpebholo’s bold declarations. Opposition leaders have alleged that the defections were orchestrated through financial inducements, claiming that N2 million was offered to each defector to switch allegiance to the APC. This claim has sparked heated political debates, with PDP members accusing the ruling party of using state resources for political gain.
Governor Okpebholo and the APC, however, have dismissed these allegations, insisting that the defectors joined the party based on ideological alignment and confidence in the APC’s leadership. The Governor maintains that the political shift in Edo is a reflection of the people’s growing dissatisfaction with the opposition and their trust in the APC to deliver good governance.
Edo’s Role in the 2027 Presidential Election
Governor Okpebholo’s assurance of an “18 over 18” victory for President Tinubu in Edo State highlights the significance of the state in APC’s national electoral strategy. Edo, traditionally seen as a battleground state, is now being positioned as a stronghold for the ruling party, thanks to strategic realignments and growing grassroots support.
With the Governor’s proactive approach in consolidating APC’s presence, the political terrain in Edo is shifting rapidly. As 2027 approaches, the stakes are high, and Governor Okpebholo’s leadership will be instrumental in determining the state’s final electoral outcome. His bold declaration sets the stage for an intense political contest, with the APC aiming for a decisive victory while the opposition scrambles to regain lost ground.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
