Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has confidently predicted the collapse of opposition parties in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Saturday during the official flag-off of the Edo Central Senatorial by-election campaign in Uromi, Okpebholo declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would dominate the political landscape due to its track record of development and governance.

The governor urged opposition candidates to abandon their parties and join the APC, emphasizing that the ruling party remains the only credible vehicle for sustainable development in the state.

Accompanied by the state APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, Okpebholo received prominent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, Robert Okoneme, and other party leaders from the 51 wards in Edo Central.

“This by-election is the first litmus test for 2027,” the governor said. “I assure you that before then, the opposition will no longer exist in Edo. Everyone will join the APC because of the developmental strides we are recording across the state. We are winning all five local governments and all 51 wards in this senatorial district. It’s a done deal.”

He also took a jab at rival candidates, advising them not to waste campaign resources. “Only the flag bearers of the other parties have not yet joined us. I urge them to cross over now. If they insist on contesting, collect their money—it’s your money—and vote APC.”

The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the next election, saying the by-election would serve as the first step in fulfilling that promise.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa also addressed the crowd, calling on the Esan people to back Okpebholo in appreciation of the development he has brought through a close relationship with President Tinubu.

“The President sees our Governor as his political son. Through that bond, Edo has witnessed true dividends of democracy. This election is our first opportunity to show gratitude, and nothing short of 90 percent victory will be accepted,” Idahosa said.

In a symbolic gesture, APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe presented the party’s flag to the senatorial candidate, Hon. Joseph Ikpea, urging him to build upon the legacy of development Okpebholo left in the Senate.

Tenebe commended the governor for officially notifying the Esan North-East Council Chairman about the event, describing it as a mark of leadership discipline and respect for institutions.

He encouraged the new APC members to remain committed and support the administration’s development drive across the state.

Also speaking, Director-General of the APC Senatorial campaign and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Victor Edoror, lauded the massive turnout and called for continued grassroots mobilization through door-to-door campaigns to secure victory.

Candidate Joseph Ikpea thanked the party for the trust placed in him and pledged to continue the governor’s legacy of impactful representation in the Senate.

Other key APC leaders in attendance included retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe (Edo Central), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (Edo South), Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and several other party stalwarts, all of whom rallied support for Ikpea’s victory in the August 16 by-election.