Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged Nigerians to take the 2027 general election seriously, as the poll will determine whether the country consolidates its current path to growth and development or returns to retrogression.
Governor Okpebholo, stated this while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters during the party’s mobilisation campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in Akoko-Edo and Etsako West Local Government Areas of Edo State.
The governor, who visited Azane Model Primary School in Ibillo and Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo, also addressed party members at the Auchi Township Stadium and Azama Primary School, Ikpe-Uzuirue, in Etsako West.
“2027 is a defining year for Nigeria’s growth and development. This is the year we are voting for our president, Senators, House of Representatives members and House of Assembly members to finish the good work our president commenced,” Governor Okpebholo said.
He commended President Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy, describing it as a major step towards addressing economic challenges that had hindered Nigeria’s growth and development.
He said the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the fuel subsidy removal, would yield long-term benefits for the country, adding that Nigerians would begin to feel the impact of the reforms.
The governor also pledged that his administration would continue its infrastructure development programme to ensure that the three senatorial districts of Edo State benefited from what he described as practical governance.
Responding to requests by residents of Akoko-Edo for the provision of a transformer and rehabilitation of the area’s water board, Governor Okpebholo promised swift intervention.
“The step-down transformer you requested will be provided and it’s a package we will deliver to make you know that I am a son of President Tinubu,” he said.
He also directed that the appropriate ministry assess the condition of the water board and recommend measures for its rehabilitation.
“I will inform the necessary ministry to visit this place and recommend to us what should be done to revive the water board here. We will do all to ensure that we resolve and find solutions to the water problem facing our people here,” he said.
The governor further promised to rehabilitate a bridge linking Ibillo, which he said had been badly damaged by flooding.
“When I was coming to Ibillo here, I saw the bridge leading to this place in a bad shape. The bridge is almost washed away by flood. I will get an expert to fix the bridge and make it motorable,” Governor Okpebholo said.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended the governor for what he described as efforts to restore security in Edo State.
Idahosa said the administration had tackled cult-related killings, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, adding that residents were beginning to experience improved security.
“Before you became the governor of Edo State, there was a lot of insecurity in the State. You came and began to tackle it and evidence shows you are winning the war against insecurity. Edo people are very happy for ensuring that peace returned to Edo State,” he said.
Former Edo governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole also praised President Tinubu for what he described as courage, determination and commitment to implementing fundamental reforms in the country.
He said Nigeria needed continuity and urged APC members to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election to enable him to complete his development agenda.
The Edo APC Chairman, Mr Jarrett Tenebe, urged residents of Akoko-Edo and Etsako West to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Tenebe said the state needed the votes to strengthen its demand for the creation of additional local government areas.
He said collaboration among the governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives and the Edo State House of Assembly would help make the demand for new local government areas a reality.
Tenebe also urged party members to work towards achieving the 2.5 million votes promised Tinubu by the Edo APC.
The APC mobilisation train has so far visited 11 of Edo State’s 18 local government areas, including Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Owan East, Owan West, Akoko-Edo and Etsako West.
