Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has attributed the successes recorded by his administration in tackling insecurity to the support of President Bola Tinubu.

Okpebholo stated this during a tour of Edo North Senatorial District, where he visited Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas to sensitise members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor visited Olegauma Primary School, Uzebba Illeha; Obe Primary School, Sabongidda-Ora; Afuze Mini Stadium; and Abadakhigua Primary School, Otuo.

Speaking at the various stops, Okpebholo said the political will to confront kidnapping, cultism, banditry, and other forms of criminality came from the Presidency.

“The political will and strength I have to fight insecurity in the state is because of the support from President Tinubu. The strength to fight kidnapping, cultism, banditry, and other criminality in the state is as a result of the support from Mr President,” he said.

He said the improved security situation has enabled residents to return to their farms without fear of kidnappers, adding that cult killings have been brought under control.

According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy has also increased resources available to the state for development.

“We pay salaries as and when due. We have successfully changed the narrative, and our people are enjoying practical governance,” the governor said.

On the tour, Okpebholo said it was aimed at seeing firsthand the challenges confronting residents.

He disclosed that he observed two bad portions of the road while travelling from Owan West to Owan East and has directed the Commissioner for Works to mobilise to the site.

“This is the reason why I embarked on this tour to see for myself the challenges facing the people in various communities across the state. Now I have come and seen, and it will be followed with solutions,” he noted.

On the 2027 presidential election, the governor urged APC members to support President Tinubu’s re-election, declaring that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock.

“I am here to identify with you and also let you know we have our candidates. The President is still contesting for the presidency, and there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will retain his office,” he stated.

He commended APC members in Edo North for their support during the governorship and local government elections, urging them to redouble efforts ahead of 2027.

In his address, the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, called on Nigerians to support the APC, saying the party has the experience and candidates to sustain development.

The former governor dismissed the political ambitions of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing their proposed alliance as “a formula that will not work for Nigeria”.

Meanwhile, the Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who received defectors into the party, urged members to focus on issue-based campaigns and grassroots mobilisation.

“We don’t need to fight to achieve the 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu. Let us embark on the campaign of ideas, not to fight. Our party leaders have done so much for Nigerians, and all we need to do is to support President Tinubu to complete his good works,” Tenebe said.

Earlier, the APC leader in Owan West, Lucky Ohimai, commended the governor for his developmental efforts and assured that residents would work towards delivering the 2.5 million votes pledged for Tinubu. (Channels TV)

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