Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence that the practice of "one man, one vote" will deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. He made this statement during a one-million-youth march organised by the City Boy Movement in support of his administration and President Tinubu's re-election in Benin City.
The governor highlighted the benefits of the Tinubu administration's economic reforms to Edo State, citing a significant increase in the state's monthly wage bill to above N7.8 billion. He argued that ongoing development projects and payment of salaries would have been difficult without increased revenues resulting from reforms by the Federal Government.
Governor Okpebholo pointed to several development projects undertaken by his administration, including the construction of over 100 primary healthcare centres and renovation of more than 87 primary and secondary schools across the state. He also mentioned an increase in subvention to higher institutions from N41 million to over N700 million.
The governor attributed the success of these projects to President Tinubu's courageous decision to remove fuel subsidy, which he believes has led to increased revenue for the state. He also drew parallels with Tinubu's tenure as governor of Lagos State, where he introduced reforms that improved the state's administration.
Governor Okpebholo criticised unnamed political opponents who he accused of mismanaging public resources in the past and promising to restore fuel subsidies for their own benefit. He alleged that these individuals were motivated by personal gain and sought to exploit the subsidy for their own advantage.
The governor's statement has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some lauding his efforts to promote Tinubu's re-election and others questioning the implications of the "one man, one vote" practice. The development is being closely watched as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
As the election draws near, Governor Okpebholo's administration is likely to face increased scrutiny over its performance and the impact of the Tinubu administration's economic reforms on Edo State. The governor's efforts to mobilise support for Tinubu's re-election will be crucial in determining the outcome of the election in the state.
Key points
- Governor Okpebholo expects 2.5 million votes from Edo State for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
- The governor cites benefits of Tinubu's economic reforms, including increased revenue for development projects.
- Okpebholo criticises opponents for alleged mismanagement of public resources and seeking to restore fuel subsidies.
