Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that President Bola Tinubu has embarked on difficult reforms aimed at developing Nigeria and improving the future of its citizens.
Governor Okpebholo stated this on Wednesday while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Ikaladerhan Primary School, Okada, in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo.
The governor spoke during the continuation of his statewide tour of the 18 local government areas to meet party members and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He was accompanied by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa; APC state Chairman Jarrett Tenebe; Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh; former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen; and other party leaders.
The delegation visited Oluku and Okada in Ovia North East, which has 13 wards, before proceeding to Iguobazuwa and Udo in Ovia South West, which has 10 wards.
Okpebholo said although the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government were difficult, they were necessary for national development.
“The president has embarked on serious reforms that will help develop Nigeria and our children will benefit and enjoy it. Reforms are very difficult but we are progressing as a nation.”
He also commended Tinubu for his anti-corruption efforts and support for his administration in Edo.
“Tinubu is fighting corruption that is why the enemies of the nation hate him. We are working in Edo State because the president is supporting us. He is helping us to build Edo just like he built Lagos State,” he said.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the turnout of party members at the various locations, saying it demonstrated the APC’s unity and readiness for the elections.
He urged party members in Ovia North East and Ovia South West to support all APC candidates.
“All our candidates are tested and trusted as they are ready to deliver to improve the lives of the people. Our candidates will work and represent the people well.”
Okpebholo also said his administration had promised Tinubu 2.5 million votes, urging party members to support efforts to achieve the target.
The governor commended the President for supporting the state in its efforts to tackle insecurity, saying the security situation in Edo had improved.
He said criminals were relocating from the state because of the government’s security measures.
Idahosa said Okpebholo’s administration had demonstrated commitment to improving infrastructure and social services in Ovia.
He cited the repair of the Ovia Bridge, which was damaged by recent rains, as one of the projects undertaken by the administration.
“The recent rain damaged the Ovia bridge but the governor gave me instructions to embark on palliative work to fix the bridge and make it motorable. As of today, we are already enjoying the road because it has been fixed,” he said.
Idahosa also said the Iguobazuwa Grammar School, which was in poor condition, had been rebuilt and was about 95 per cent completed.
He said the governor would commission the school during the campaign proper.
Idahosa urged residents of Ovia to continue supporting the administration, saying the area had benefited from the emergence of young political leaders.
He said Ovia South West had produced a 30-year-old council chairman, while the state also had a 44-year-old deputy governor.
The deputy governor said APC supporters in Ovia had pledged to work towards delivering 2.5 million votes, adding that party candidates could secure more than 80 per cent of the votes in Ovia.
Tenebe thanked APC supporters in Ovia North East and Ovia South West for their turnout, urging them to continue supporting Okpebholo and Tinubu.
Similarly, Ovia South West Council Chairman Anthony Osarobo thanked the governor for his support and pledged massive votes for the APC.
Osarobo said Udo, his community, produced a council chairman for the first time since 1999 under Okpebholo’s administration.
“The only way to thank you, Sir, is to key into your 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. We assure you of an overwhelming victory in the forthcoming election,” he said.
