Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has predicted a total collapse of opposition parties in Edo State before the 2027 general elections, citing the increasing number of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the official flag-off of the APC campaign for the August 16th Senatorial by-election in Edo Central, held in Uromi, the Governor expressed confidence in the ruling party’s dominance across the state.
“This is a test for 2027. I can tell you that 2027 is sure. Before then, there will be no opposition left in Edo State. Everyone will join the APC because of the developmental strides we have achieved,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo was joined by the State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, to receive a wave of decampees from other political parties. Prominent among them were Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, and Robert Okoneme, all former leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the 51 wards of the district.
The Governor urged remaining opposition candidates to defect to the APC rather than waste resources on a contest he described as already decided.
“If they give you money, take it. But vote for APC. The money is our money. We have promised the President 2.5 million votes in 2027, and we will start with this senatorial election,” he said.
He further announced Hon. Joseph Ikpea as his preferred successor in the Senate, assuring a clean sweep in all five local government areas and 51 wards in the district.
Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, also addressed the gathering, calling on the people of Esanland to stand by the Governor who, he said, enjoys a strong relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This election is a show of appreciation to the President for what Edo has gained so far. Nothing short of 90 percent victory will be accepted,” he stated.
APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, presented the party flag to the by-election candidate, Hon. Joseph Ikpea, charging him to continue the developmental path laid by Governor Okpebholo during his time in the Senate. He also handed the APC symbol — the broom — to the newly defected members and applauded the Governor for formally notifying the local government chairman about the event.
Former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and Director General of the by-election campaign, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, encouraged the people to sustain door-to-door grassroots mobilization to ensure a landslide APC victory.
Hon. Ikpea, in his response, expressed gratitude to the party for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue the work of transforming Edo Central as begun by Governor Okpebholo.
Other prominent APC leaders in attendance included Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), APC South leader Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and other stakeholders, who all urged massive voter turnout for the party in the coming election.
