2027: Okpebholo Confident APC Will Deliver Esan South-East, North-East

By Eshioromeh Sebastian

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will record a strong showing in Esan South-East and Esan North-East Local Government Areas in the 2027 elections, citing the large crowds that welcomed him during the party’s grassroots mobilisation tour.

Speaking on Wednesday at Ewohimi in Esan South-East, the governor said the turnout was evidence of growing support for the party and convinced him that the APC’s target of 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in Edo State was achievable. He urged supporters to remain committed to the party.

Okpebholo described President Tinubu as a leader and father, saying his administration’s work depended on continued support from party members in Edo and across the country. He promised the party would return to celebrate after the polls.

The governor canvassed votes for Tinubu’s re-election, for Hon. Odianosen Okojie, the APC candidate for the House of Representatives, and for Joseph Ikpea, the party’s Edo Central senatorial candidate.

In Uromi, Esan North-East, Okpebholo assured residents that his administration would compensate owners of houses marked for demolition along the Uromi Expressway. “Uromi, all those houses blocking the road construction, we have released money for compensation. The president is working, and we are going to pay him back with 2.5 million votes,” he said.

He also declared that cult-related killings and kidnapping had ended in the state, and said President Tinubu deserved a second term because he is making more funds available to the state government.

Edo Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Chief Festus Ebea, said the crowd showed the APC was accepted by men, women and youths in Esan South-East. He expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would record substantial votes and praised the governor as an effective mobiliser who had kept strengthening the party’s structures.

State APC Chairman Mr Jarrett Tenebe also commended the turnout. He said people enter politics for different reasons, but leaders must put the welfare of their people first, pointing to ongoing road projects as evidence of the administration’s work. He urged residents to back leaders whose programmes benefit them.

Tenebe asked supporters to vote for Tinubu and the party’s candidates and urged them to stay united. He also advised voters to carefully examine candidates and their backgrounds before choosing, and spoke in support of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North.