Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that certain political interests are sponsoring insecurity across the country in a bid to distract and discredit the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of future elections.
The governor made the assertion during the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming Local Government Council elections in the Edo South Senatorial District.
Addressing party supporters and stakeholders at the event, Okpebholo maintained that the recent surge in insecurity was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of the President and the ruling APC government.
”There is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the governor declared emphatically. “What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition. They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well.”
In a strongly worded remark, the governor stated that no amount of insecurity or political intimidation would alter the nation’s political direction, stressing that those allegedly behind such acts would not secure positions in the Senate, House of Representatives, or the Presidency through destabilization.
”They can even kidnap all of us, yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he added, reaffirming his confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and political future.
Okpebholo further commended President Tinubu’s administration, describing it as one that has delivered significant benefits to Nigerians despite initial challenges. He particularly highlighted the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy, noting that the gains from the reform were already evident through various developmental projects across Edo State.
According to the governor, the ongoing infrastructural developments and economic interventions being witnessed in the state are clear indications of the Federal Government’s commitment to national growth and development.
Turning his attention to party affairs, Okpebholo congratulated candidates who emerged victorious during the APC primary elections and urged them to work tirelessly toward securing victory for the party in the upcoming local government polls.
He expressed optimism that a successful outing in the council elections would further strengthen the APC’s grassroots support and position the party to deliver the 2.5 million votes he previously pledged for President Tinubu during the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking at the event, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the APC as the most viable and dominant political party in the state.
Tenebe charged party candidates and supporters to take the governor’s message of development and good governance to every corner of Edo State, urging them to engage residents with the achievements of the current administration.
He further encouraged the candidates to replicate the governor’s developmental vision in their respective local government areas upon election.
The highpoint of the campaign flag-off was the official unveiling of the APC candidates for Edo South by Governor Okpebholo. Among those presented were Ogbeide Ihama, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, and Omorede Igbinedion, alongside other party candidates seeking various elective positions.
The event attracted party leaders, stakeholders, supporters, and grassroots mobilizers from across the senatorial district, underscoring the APC’s determination to consolidate its political influence ahead of the local government elections.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
