Politics

2027 is a done deal for APC in Edo — Governor Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the opposition in the state will collapse entirely before the 2027 general elections, as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to consolidate its influence.

Speaking during the official flag-off of the campaign for the August 16 senatorial by-election in Edo Central, held in Uromi, Okpebholo expressed confidence that the APC would record sweeping victories, not only in the by-election but also in future contests.

“This is a test for 2027. I can tell you that 2027 is sure. Before then, there will be no opposition in Edo State anymore as all will join the APC because of the developmental achievements in the state,” he said.

The governor, who was joined by APC state chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, also welcomed several decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition groups. Among the notable figures who defected to the APC were Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, and Robert Okoneme, along with other PDP leaders across the 51 wards in the senatorial district.

Okpebholo called on remaining opposition candidates to defect to the APC, urging them not to waste resources on a lost cause.

“I understand that it is only the candidates in the other parties that have not decamped to our party, the APC. I advise them not to waste their money but to join our party. If they give you money, take it and vote for the APC. The money is our money,” he said.

He further reiterated that the party would sweep the by-election across all five local government areas and 51 wards in the Edo Central Senatorial District. He also reassured supporters that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would receive overwhelming support from Edo in the 2027 presidential election.

“We promised to give the President 2.5 million votes, and we are ready to deliver on our promises. We will not talk much because the election is a done deal,” he said.