Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to deliver 2.5million votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Governor Okpebholo said the votes would serve as a token of appreciation for the developmental strides witnessed across the state under his administration.

Okpebholo spoke at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, where he received thousands of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Edo Governor said the Edo APC remained an open and inclusive platform for all citizens committed to progress.

He stated that the state’s development required collective input, adding that the party welcomed all new members eager to contribute to the advancement of Edo.

Governor Okpebholo said the defectors joined the APC voluntarily after being moved by the visible impact of his administration’s developmental agenda.

“I want to commend the members of the PDP who have made the decision to join our great party, the APC,” he said. “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.

 “Their decision to align with our party is a clear endorsement of our direction and leadership.

“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.

“I will not fail you. I will continue to work diligently to ensure that Edo enjoys sustained development under my watch,” he concluded.

Among key political figures that returned to the APC was a former Edo State APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, former local government chairmen, councillors, and former PDP leaders.

Leader of the APC in Edo Central Senatorial District, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe, assured the new members that the party does not discriminate, but offered a level playing field for all committed to the growth and unity of Edo State.