Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday led a powerful coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in formally endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
The endorsement, which took place in Edo Central, drew top political figures including the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; former Edo governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole; and the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh.
The event also featured the official reception of key defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) into the APC, signaling renewed unity and momentum within the ruling party ahead of the next general elections.
Among other dignitaries present were the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; former Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu; Senator Mathew Urhoghide; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe; and retired General Cecil Isegaigbe, the Edo Central senatorial leader.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support to Edo people, particularly in the area of infrastructure development.
“I want to thank Mr. President for what he’s doing for Edo people. We will let him know that we are for him completely here,” the governor said.
“When I went to Abuja to discuss our road infrastructure challenges, the Minister of Works came down to inspect them. Now, the Agbor road and other projects have been approved. In a few weeks, you’ll see caterpillars working. The President doesn’t need to campaign here because we have already done the campaign.”
Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to remain connected to his roots even after his tenure, stressing that service to the people would remain his top priority.
Senator Oshiomhole praised both President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo for sustaining stability and development in the state.
“One of the things the governor always reminds us is that he is not borrowing to execute projects,” Oshiomhole said.
“If the President had not created a transparent financial environment, many of his ideas could have died in his head. When you have a good driver, you retain him. Constant change can make the vehicle collapse.”
Also speaking, the Minister for Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, described Tinubu’s administration as one that has embarked on the most far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s history.
“No administration since independence has introduced reforms as impactful as President Tinubu’s. These reforms will put Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development,” he stated.
The formal motion adopting President Tinubu as APC’s preferred candidate for 2027 was moved by retired General Cecil Isegaigbe and seconded by Senator representing Edo Central, Hon. Joe Ikpea. The motion was unanimously adopted by Senator Oshiomhole and other party leaders.
To strengthen mobilization efforts, four campaign buses were donated through the Office of the Special Adviser on Youths to coordinators from Edo North, Edo Central, and Edo South.
Prominent defectors from the PDP and LP, led by Hon. Emmanuel Okoduwa, Hon. Patrick Iluobe, Mr. Ehime Edangbe, and Hon. Anthony Iselobho, were formally welcomed into the APC. The new members pledged loyalty to the party and vowed to work tirelessly for President Tinubu’s re-election.
Earlier in the day, Governor Okpebholo commissioned and handed over 10 new Hilux patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, Irrua Area Command, to boost security operations across Edo Central.
With Friday’s endorsement, Governor Okpebholo appears to have positioned the Edo APC as a united front solidly behind President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid—signaling strong intra-party cohesion and renewed political energy across the state.
Ends.
