By: Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie Edoimioya.
The Presidential political campaign activities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in Edo State should provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of infrastructure and the actual living conditions of the people, rather than another occasion for political celebration and self-congratulation.
The fundamental question is simple: What exactly is the administration campaigning on when the infrastructural realities confronting ordinary Edo people remain a source of serious concern?
Across Edo State, particularly in Benin City and its surrounding communities, the challenges of deteriorating roads, inadequate drainage systems, flooding, poor urban planning, insufficient healthcare facilities and the general decline of public infrastructure remain pressing issues.
Equally disturbing is the deplorable condition of federal roads connecting Edo State to neighbouring states and other parts of the country. The major entry and exit routes, particularly the Ore axis, Kogi axis, Delta axis and Anambra axis, are in deplorable condition, creating serious difficulties for motorists, commuters, transport operators and businesses.
These critical federal highways are essential to the movement of people, goods and services, yet their deteriorating condition raises serious questions about infrastructure maintenance, federal road rehabilitation and the attention being given to the safety and economic wellbeing of road users. The condition of these roads should be a major concern during any presidential visit or political engagement in the state.
A visit by the President should not merely be about political endorsements, party loyalty, elaborate receptions and promises of development. It should be an opportunity to undertake an honest assessment of the condition of the state and demand accountability from those entrusted with public resources.
Edo people deserve functional roads, accessible healthcare, quality education, reliable public utilities, a cleaner environment and an economic atmosphere that creates opportunities for employment and prosperity.
Political campaigns must not become instruments for distracting citizens from the realities of governance. The people are interested in measurable achievements, not political theatrics. They want to see projects completed, abandoned infrastructure revived and public resources translated into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
President Tinubu and the APC leadership must understand that Edo State is not merely a political territory to be mobilised during elections. It is a historic state whose people deserve responsible leadership, effective governance and sustainable development.
The sad reality is that political promises cannot substitute for physical infrastructure, and political loyalty cannot replace public accountability.
Our position is not against the President’s visit or the constitutional responsibilities of the Federal Government. Rather, it is a call for constructive engagement, transparency and accountability at every level of government.
Edo State deserves better. Its people deserve more than political speeches and ceremonial visits. They deserve development that can be seen, touched and experienced in their communities.
Governance is not measured by the number of political rallies organised, but by the quality of lives improved and the infrastructure delivered.
The time has come for Edo people to demand performance, question political leadership and insist that development must move beyond campaign promises to visible and sustainable results.
Edo State must not be governed by political propaganda; it must be governed by performance, accountability and the people’s interest.
Edo State must be great again.
Edo of our dreams is possible.
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