Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has made a significant pledge to President Bola Tinubu, promising 2.5 million votes from Edo people in the 2027 presidential election. This declaration, made at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, was presented as a token of appreciation for the developmental strides witnessed across the state under President Tinubu’s administration.

The governor’s announcement came during a pivotal political gathering aimed at welcoming thousands of decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the fold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Governor Okpebholo, as stated by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the APC in Edo State stands as an open and inclusive platform for all citizens committed to progress. Welcoming the new members, Okpebholo emphasized that the state’s development necessitated collective input and contribution.

Addressing the new converts, Governor Okpebholo asserted, “I want to commend the members of the PDP who have made the decision to join our great party, the APC. This defection is a testament to the fact that the PDP has lost relevance in Esan Central, my own constituency. Today marks the political end of the PDP in this local government.” He further noted that while previous efforts had been made to persuade many of the decampees, their current decision to join the APC was voluntary, driven by the visible impact of his administration’s developmental agenda. Their decision, he added, was a clear endorsement of the APC's direction and leadership.

Okpebholo extended his gratitude to key political figures who had returned to the APC, including former Edo State APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, whose return he described as a significant boost to the party’s consolidation in the state. He also welcomed members of the Edo State House of Assembly, former local government chairmen, councillors, and former PDP leaders who have now aligned with the APC. Reaffirming his commitment to the people, he pledged, “I will not fail you. I will continue to work diligently to ensure that Edo enjoys sustained development under my watch.”

In a strong declaration regarding the 2027 election, Okpebholo stated, “In 2027, we will reward President Tinubu’s love for Edo with 2.5 million votes. The people have spoken through their actions. Edo is APC, and APC is the vehicle of our development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.” The leader of the APC in Edo Central Senatorial District, Maj Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), assured the new members of the party’s non-discriminatory stance and commitment to offering a level playing field, urging them to “Join this movement of peace and purpose. Together, we will move Edo forward.” Dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; and acting Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, among others.

However, Governor Okpebholo’s pledge swiftly drew a sharp rebuke from the Edo State caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement issued on Monday by the committee’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP described Okpebholo’s claim as “absurd and comical,” deeming it an “outright insult to the intelligence of the Edo people.”

Nehikhare challenged the feasibility of the governor’s promise, pointing out that Okpebholo himself “could barely manage 300,000 votes for himself in a governorship election that was marred by heavy militarisation and backed by the full weight of all APC governors, the Senate President and members of National Executive Council, among others.” The PDP spokesman argued that for Okpebholo to now claim he could mobilize 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027—a figure close to the entire number of registered voters across all 18 local government areas in the state—was not only unrealistic but also indicative of desperation and sycophancy.

The PDP committee further accused Okpebholo of attempting to please his “Abuja benefactors” and legitimize the September 2024 electoral process through such empty posturing. They expressed deep concern that while Edo people grapple with growing insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship due to a perceived lack of leadership, Okpebholo’s primary focus appears to be seeking applause in Abuja through hollow political promises. The PDP concluded by expressing confidence that President Tinubu, recognized as a seasoned political operator, would not be swayed by the