Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged voters in Benin City, Edo State capital, to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 16 election, citing the administration's delivery on its promises. At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Shettima said the people should hold the administration accountable, assuring that the Federal Government would not abandon any road project, industrial revival, and other developmental programmes in the state. The APC presidential campaign train rolled into Edo, Adamawa, and Niger states to drum up support for Tinubu's re-election bid.
In Yola, Adamawa State capital, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and former Governor Bindo Jubrilla drummed support for Tinubu's re-election at a rally attended by a large crowd from all local governments in the state. Bindow emphasised the importance of rotation and zoning, citing former President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year term from the North and Tinubu's eligibility for two terms from the South. Meanwhile, in Minna, Niger State capital, Governor Mohammed Bago said the people would vote for Tinubu due to his meritorious service to the country.
Shettima said the administration was seeking a renewed mandate in 2027 to consolidate its achievements and complete outstanding projects, particularly critical road infrastructure and investments aimed at restoring Edo's industrial capacity. He assured residents that the government remained committed to making major highways motorable, acknowledging the economic losses suffered by traders, transporters, and other road users due to deteriorating infrastructure. The administration had commenced the dualisation of the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi–Okpella–Okene road and was rehabilitating the Benin–Asaba and Benin–Sapele roads.
The Vice President highlighted ongoing investments in gas infrastructure, electricity transmission, and alternative energy to create conditions for industrial recovery in Edo. He disclosed that gas now flows through the completed Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben pipeline and that new transmission infrastructure at Ihovbor had created capacity to evacuate an additional 600 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. Shettima also mentioned the commissioning of an electricity injection substation at Amufi and the establishment of solar mini-grids in communities across the state.
Shettima noted that Edo had assumed regulatory responsibility for its intrastate electricity market, while a proposed condensate refinery had entered the development stage. He assured residents that the administration would continue to support investments capable of expanding electricity access, improving industrial productivity, and creating employment opportunities. The Vice President also cited strengthened interventions in tertiary hospitals and primary healthcare facilities across Edo, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where cancer patients can access radiotherapy services.
The Vice President mentioned that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had provided an opportunity for students from Edo State to pursue tertiary education without financial difficulties. He added that farmers in the state had benefited from subsidised fertiliser allocations, while agricultural training and entrepreneurship programmes were being implemented to improve productivity and livelihoods. Shettima reiterated the administration's commitment to improving the remuneration and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The rally in Benin City was attended by prominent figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The event had a huge turnout, with tight security across the state capital. The administration's efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and industrial capacity were highlighted as key aspects of its record.
Key points
- The administration has commenced the dualisation of the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi–Okpella–Okene road and is rehabilitating the Benin–Asaba and Benin–Sapele roads.
- The Vice President cited strengthened interventions in tertiary hospitals and primary healthcare facilities across Edo.
- The administration is seeking a renewed mandate in 2027 to consolidate its achievements and complete outstanding projects.
