Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the opposition in the state will collapse entirely before the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Saturday at the campaign flag-off for the August 16 senatorial by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District, held in Uromi, the governor urged opposition candidates to abandon their parties and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support the state’s development agenda.
Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, welcomed new defectors from various opposition parties, expressing confidence that the APC’s growing popularity signaled a total shift in Edo’s political landscape.
Among the notable defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, and Robert Okoneme, alongside several PDP leaders from all 51 wards in the senatorial district.
“This election is just a preview of what’s to come in 2027,” Okpebholo said. “By then, there will be no opposition left in Edo State. Everyone will be part of the APC because of the visible development across the state.”
He added: “Hon. Joseph Ikpea will succeed me in the Senate. We’re set to win all five local government areas and every one of the 51 wards in Edo Central. As for the remaining opposition candidates, my advice is simple—don’t waste your resources. Join us in APC. If they offer you money, take it—it’s public money—but vote for APC.”
He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the next general election, calling the by-election a “done deal.”
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa echoed the governor’s confidence and called on the Esan people to rally behind Okpebholo, citing his close relationship with President Tinubu as a reason Edo State is enjoying unprecedented development.
“This election is our opportunity to show appreciation to the governor and the president,” Idahosa said. “We expect nothing less than a 90% victory in this election.”
APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe presented the party’s flag to Hon. Joseph Ikpea, the APC candidate for the by-election, urging him to carry on the developmental legacy left by Okpebholo during his time in the Senate.
Tenebe also welcomed the new party members by handing them the APC symbol—the broom—and praised the governor for notifying the Chairman of Esan North-East LGA about the campaign kickoff, describing it as a sign of respect and proper procedure.
Victor Edoror, Director General of the APC Senatorial Campaign and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, praised the crowd’s turnout and encouraged them to maintain momentum with a door-to-door campaign to secure victory.
In his remarks, Joseph Ikpea thanked the party for its trust and pledged to continue the developmental projects initiated by Governor Okpebholo during his senatorial tenure.
Other notable figures at the event included Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Deputy APC State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and other party leaders, all of whom urged massive voter turnout in support of APC in the upcoming by-election.
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