A pledge by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election has triggered strong reactions from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the statement as “absurd, comical, and insulting” to the people of the state.
Governor Okpebholo made the bold promise during a political gathering held at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, while welcoming thousands of defectors from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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,” Okpebholo declared.
But the PDP was swift to push back. In a statement on Monday, Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the party’s state caretaker committee, said the governor’s comments reflect desperation and sycophancy, and questioned the credibility of the claim.
“This is coming from a man who barely managed 300,000 votes in a governorship election despite massive federal backing. Now, he wants Nigerians to believe he can deliver nearly the total number of registered voters in Edo State to the president,” the statement read.
The PDP further described the remarks as an attempt to curry favor with APC powerbrokers in Abuja, rather than address urgent challenges facing Edo residents, such as insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship.
“Instead of focusing on governance, the governor is more concerned with grandstanding and hollow promises aimed at pleasing his Abuja benefactors. President Tinubu, a seasoned politician, knows the difference between genuine support and political theatrics,” the PDP said.
In his address, Governor Okpebholo hailed the mass defection from the PDP as a “turning point” in Esan Central, his constituency, claiming that the opposition had “lost relevance” in the area.
He praised the new members for choosing to align with a progressive platform, highlighting that their decision was motivated by the visible impact of his administration’s developmental agenda.
“The defection is a testament to our inclusive leadership. Their decision is an endorsement of the direction we’re taking Edo,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to notable figures who rejoined the APC, including former APC state chairman Anselm Ojezua, as well as former local government chairmen, councillors, and state legislators.
He reassured citizens of his commitment to development and good governance, vowing not to betray the trust reposed in him.
“I will not fail you. I will continue to work diligently to ensure Edo enjoys sustained development under my watch,” he said.
Also speaking, APC leader in Edo Central Senatorial District, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd.), welcomed the defectors and urged them to “join the movement of peace and purpose,” stressing the APC’s non-discriminatory, open-door policy.
Among dignitaries in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff Gani Audu, and Acting Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, among others.
