Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has expressed confidence that the practice of “one man, one vote” will enable President Bola Tinubu to secure 2.5 million votes from the state in the 2027 presidential election. He made this statement in Benin City during a one-million-youth march organised by the City Boy Movement in support of his administration and President Tinubu’s re-election. The governor emphasized the importance of this voting practice.
According to Governor Okpebholo, Edo residents are aware of the benefits of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms to the state. He cited the state’s monthly wage bill, which has risen above N7.8 billion, and argued that ongoing development projects and payment of salaries would have been difficult without increased revenues resulting from reforms by the Federal Government. The governor highlighted the positive impact of these reforms.
Governor Okpebholo pointed out that his administration had achieved significant milestones, including the construction of over 108 primary healthcare centres across the state. He also mentioned the renovation of more than 87 primary and secondary schools and an increase in subvention to higher institutions from N41 million to over N700 million. These achievements, he claimed, were made possible by the economic reforms.
The governor praised President Tinubu’s courage in removing fuel subsidies, which he believes has led to increased revenue for the state. He also referenced Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, where he introduced reforms that improved the state’s administration. Okpebholo expressed his admiration for Tinubu’s leadership style and the positive changes it brought.
Governor Okpebholo criticized unnamed political opponents who he accused of past mismanagement of public resources and attempting to restore fuel subsidies for their own benefit. He claimed that these individuals were responsible for the mismanagement of Nigeria’s resources and assets without proper accountability. The governor was critical of their intentions and motives.
A youth representative at the march commended Governor Okpebholo for improvements in security across the state, which they believe is helping to build investors’ confidence. The march was organised to demonstrate the youths’ loyalty to Okpebholo and Tinubu and mobilise support for APC candidates in the 2027 elections. The youths expressed their support for the governor and the president.
Governor Okpebholo has repeatedly emphasized his goal of delivering 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in 2027. He made a similar appeal to newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas in September. The feasibility of this target has been questioned by opposition figures, but the governor and his supporters remain confident.
Key points
- Governor Okpebholo aims to secure 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027.
- The governor cites economic reforms and development projects as reasons for his confidence.
- Okpebholo criticizes opponents who he claims mismanaged public resources and seek to restore fuel subsidies.
