NATA Endorses President Tinubu, Backs Okpebholo's 2.5m-Vote Target in Edo

The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election and pledged support for Governor Monday Okpebholo's target of delivering 2.5 million votes to him in the state. This was announced by the state chairman of NATA, Mr Victor Omozusi, when he led a delegation of automobile artisans and technicians from across Edo to the Government House in Benin City.

According to Omozusi, the association's decision to back President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo was informed by their efforts to improve the welfare and economic well-being of Nigerians and residents of Edo State. The automobile technicians, an important part of the state's informal sector, plan to mobilize their members and supporters to help meet the 2.5 million-vote target. Omozusi expressed confidence in Governor Okpebholo's leadership and the association's role in ensuring victory for the APC.

Omozusi thanked Governor Okpebholo for his administration's attention to artisans and other informal-sector operators, particularly the ongoing construction of Mechanic Road in the Egor Local Government Area. However, he raised concerns about the encroachment on the association's mechanic site by members of the host community and appealed to the governor to look into the matter. He urged members across the state to remain united and take an active part in political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governor Okpebholo responded by thanking NATA for their goodwill and support for President Tinubu. He assured them that their message would be conveyed to the President and took note of their complaint regarding the land dispute. The governor promised that the road would be completed, and the association would take over their land. He also welcomed NATA's support for his 2.5 million-vote promise to President Tinubu.

Governor Okpebholo expressed happiness that NATA had recognised the 2.5 million votes he promised to President Tinubu and assured that the people of Edo would back it with their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) on election day. The governor's assurance was in response to Omozusi's appeal for the association's support in mobilising the grassroots and ensuring victory for the APC.

The endorsement by NATA is seen as a significant boost to President Tinubu's re-election bid and Governor Okpebholo's efforts to deliver massive votes for the President. The association's support is expected to mobilise the informal sector and contribute to the 2.5 million-vote target in Edo State. The development was reported by The Nigerian Observer on November 9, 2026.

Key stakeholders in Edo State are watching closely as the 2027 elections approach. President Tinubu's re-election bid and Governor Okpebholo's efforts to deliver votes are crucial to the state's political landscape. The support of critical groups like NATA will likely play a significant role in shaping the election outcome.

Key points

• NATA endorses President Tinubu and pledges support for Governor Okpebholo's 2.5 million vote target in Edo State.
• The association plans to mobilize its members and supporters to help meet the 2.5 million-vote target.
• Governor Okpebholo assures NATA that their concerns will be addressed and their support will be crucial in delivering votes for President Tinubu.