Tinubu’s support strengthening Edo’s war against insecurity — Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has credited the administration’s growing success in confronting kidnapping, cultism, banditry and other forms of criminality in the state to the political will and strong support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okpebholo made the assertion during an extensive tour of Edo North Senatorial District by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), undertaken as part of efforts to mobilise and sensitise party members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor, who visited communities and public institutions across Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas, said the support of the Federal Government had strengthened his administration’s resolve and capacity to restore security and confidence among residents.

“The political will and strength I have to fight insecurity in the state is because of the support from President Tinubu. The strength to fight kidnapping, cultism, banditry, and other criminality in the state is as a result of the support from Mr. President,” he said.

According to him, the improved security situation has restored confidence among rural dwellers, particularly farmers who, in the past, were forced to abandon their farms for fear of kidnappers and other criminal elements.

“Today our people are no longer afraid of kidnappers as we have put them under check and our people can now go to the farm. We have also ensured no cult killings again in Edo State,” Okpebholo said.

He attributed the achievement to what he described as the political will and support provided by the Tinubu administration.

The governor also linked the increased capacity of state governments to implement development programmes to the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, saying the policy had enhanced resources available to the states.

“We pay salaries as at when due. We have successfully changed the narrative, and our people are enjoying practical governance,” he said

Okpebholo said the APC tour was not only about political mobilisation but also an opportunity for him to personally assess the challenges confronting communities in the senatorial district.

The governor visited Olegauma Primary School, Uzebba Illeha; Obe Primary School, Sabongidda-Ora; Afuze Mini Stadium; and Abadakhigua Primary School, Otuo.

He said the firsthand assessment had already produced immediate intervention, disclosing that he identified two bad portions of the road linking Owan West and Owan East and directed the Commissioner for Works to mobilise to the affected areas.

“This is the reason why I embarked on this tour, to see for myself the challenges facing the people in various communities across the state. Now I have come and seen, and it will be followed with solutions,” the governor declared.

Turning to the 2027 presidential election, Okpebholo urged APC members in Edo to intensify grassroots mobilisation for President Tinubu’s re-election, declaring that the presidential seat would remain occupied by the incumbent.

“I am here to identify with you and also let you know we have our candidates. The President is still contesting for the presidency, and there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027 as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will retain his office,” he said.

The governor commended APC members in Edo North for their support during the 2024 governorship election and subsequent local government elections, urging them to sustain the momentum ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also canvassed support for the APC, arguing that the party possesses the experience and political leadership required to sustain Nigeria’s development trajectory.

Oshiomhole, in a political broadside, dismissed the emerging alliance involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing their proposed political combination as “a formula that will not work for Nigeria.”

Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who received defectors into the party during the tour, called for issue-based campaigns and stronger grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

Tenebe said the party’s target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo could be achieved through peaceful mobilisation rather than political confrontation.

“We don't need to fight to achieve the 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu. Let us embark on the campaign of ideas, not to fight,” he said.

The party leader in Owan West, Lucky Ohimai, commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as his developmental interventions across the state and assured him of continued support from the people of Owan.

He also pledged the commitment of the area towards achieving the APC’s 2.5 million-vote target for President Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The tour brought together the political leadership of the Edo APC, with the governor using the occasion to showcase his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure and workers’ welfare while simultaneously taking the party’s 2027 campaign message to the grassroots.

Okpebholo was accompanied by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe; his deputy, Sylvester Aigboboh; APC Secretary, Lawrence Okah; Chief of Staff, Yakubu Musa; former Deputy Governor, Peter Obadan; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye; and other party leaders.

For the Okpebholo administration, the Edo North tour therefore served a dual purpose: a political mobilisation exercise ahead of 2027 and a direct inspection of the communities whose votes—and confidence—will ultimately determine how the administration’s record is judged.