Okpebholo Welcomes 17 LG Chairmen to APC, Predicts Tinubu’s 2027 Victory; PDP Alleges N2M Bribe

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, reinforced his political influence in the state as he received 17 out of 18 acting local government chairmen who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the event at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Okpebholo expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure a landslide victory in the 2027 presidential election....CONTINUE READING>>>

Praising Tinubu’s leadership, Okpebholo highlighted his decisive actions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he claimed previous administrations were reluctant to implement despite its long-term benefits. He assured the people that his administration was committed to improving lives, stating that in just four months, his team had begun transforming Edo State.

Addressing the defectors, Okpebholo commended their bold decision to join the APC, emphasizing that it required strong political will. He criticized the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing it of fostering insecurity, mismanaging resources, and implementing ineffective policies.

“Edo State was not working when we assumed office. We inherited insecurity, killings, looting of state funds through consultants, and other policies that set the state back. But we have changed the narrative,” Okpebholo said.

He also acknowledged the role of local councillors in facilitating leadership changes in the local governments, urging the newly inducted chairmen to actively promote Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

“The campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election has started today. I urge you all to return to your local governments and put up billboards to spread the message. There is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” the governor declared.

Receiving the new members on behalf of the APC, Lawrence Okah, the party’s secretary, welcomed them and encouraged unity among all party members. He assured them that the APC-led government in Edo was on a mission to rescue the state from underdevelopment.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Kelvin Iyere, ALGON chairman and Esan Central Local Government chairman, expressed gratitude to the governor and APC for welcoming them into the party.

PDP’s Response

Reacting to the mass defection, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleged that each defector received N2 million as an incentive.

In a statement, PDP’s Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, strongly criticized the use of state funds for political gains while key sectors like security, education, and healthcare were struggling.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the reckless use of state resources to buy support and loyalty while critical sectors remain in dire need of government intervention,” Nehikhare stated.

He also pointed out the recent security crisis in Edo, which he claimed had resulted in over 40 deaths due to attacks by herdsmen, kidnappers, and criminal gangs. The PDP accused the government of failing to address insecurity while prioritizing political maneuvering.

The party maintained its belief that the judiciary would overturn the September 21, 2024 governorship election results and restore what it described as the stolen mandate of Asue Ighodalo and the PDP.

“We remain confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice and return Edo to the people’s choice, ending Okpebholo and the APC’s rascality in the state,” the statement concluded.