Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused opposition parties of exploiting insecurity to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to intensify.
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday during the official launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in Edo South Senatorial District.
Speaking before party supporters and candidates, Okpebholo alleged that some opposition elements were using acts of insecurity to create fear and weaken public confidence in the federal government.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us — yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the governor declared.
He argued that insecurity should not be used as a political tool, questioning the logic of creating instability in a society that political leaders are expected to govern.
“What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition. They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern?” he asked.
“There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” he added.
Okpebholo also defended the administration of President Tinubu, insisting that the current government has delivered more impactful projects than previous administrations.
According to the governor, the benefits of the removal of fuel subsidy are already visible through ongoing development projects and infrastructure initiatives across Edo State.
He used the occasion to congratulate APC candidates who emerged victorious in the party’s primary elections ahead of the local government polls scheduled for July.
The governor expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly in the elections and said the APC remains focused on mobilising support ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
He further stated that victory in the local government elections would strengthen the party’s ability to deliver the 2.5 million votes Edo APC leaders have pledged to President Tinubu in the next general election.
Also speaking at the event, the Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the APC as the dominant political force in the state and urged candidates to take the governor’s development agenda directly to voters across their communities.
The event featured the formal presentation of APC candidates from Edo South, including Ogbeide Ihama for the Senate, Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency and Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency.
The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has scheduled the local government elections for July 11, 2026, across the state’s 18 local government areas.
