Edo 2027: Opposition Will Collapse Before Next General Elections, Boasts Gov. Okpebholo
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has confidently declared that there will be no opposition left in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the ongoing wave of defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made the statement during the official flag-off of the APC campaign for the August 16th senatorial by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District, held in Uromi on Saturday.
Okpebholo, accompanied by the APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, received several high-profile decampees from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, and Robert Okoneme, among others from all 51 wards in the senatorial district.
“This is a test for 2027,” the governor said. “I can tell you that there will be no opposition left in Edo State before then. All will join the APC because of the developmental achievements across the state. Hon. Joseph Ikpea will take over from me in the Senate, and in this election, we will win all five local governments and every ward.”
He urged opposition candidates to reconsider spending their resources on the by-election and instead join the ruling party. “If they give you money, take it — it’s our money — but vote for APC,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Okpebholo also reiterated the party’s commitment to delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, urged the Esan people to support Okpebholo, noting that his rapport with President Tinubu has attracted tangible development to the state.
“This election is the first step in showing appreciation to the president. We expect nothing less than 90 per cent victory,” he said.
Party Chairman Jarrett Tenebe officially presented the APC flag to the senatorial candidate, Hon. Joseph Ikpea, and the party symbol (a broom) to the new members, encouraging them to support the governor in sustaining the party’s developmental agenda.
The Director General of the APC campaign and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Victor Edoror, commended the massive turnout and urged continuous grassroots mobilization through door-to-door campaigns.
In his acceptance speech, Ikpea thanked the party leadership for their trust and pledged to continue the legacy of development championed by Governor Okpebholo during his time in the Senate.
Other party leaders in attendance included APC Edo Central leader, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd); APC South leader, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; and Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, who all called for massive voter turnout in support of the APC candidate.
