Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has boldly declared that all opposition parties in the state will collapse before the 2027 general elections, predicting a total sweep by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in future polls.
The Governor made the statement on Saturday, August 2, during the flag-off ceremony of the August 16th Senatorial by-election campaign in Uromi, located in Edo Central Senatorial District.
Governor Okpebholo called on opposition candidates to decamp to the APC and join the state’s development drive.
“This is a test for 2027. I can tell you that 2027 is sure,” he said. “Before 2027, there will be no opposition in Edo State anymore as all will join the APC because of the developmental achievements in the state.”
He affirmed that Hon. Joseph Ikpea, the APC candidate in the upcoming by-election, will “take over from me in the Senate,” expressing confidence that the APC will win all 5 local governments and 51 wards in the senatorial district.
Okpebholo also encouraged voters to accept money from opposition parties but vote APC:
“If they give you money, take it and vote for the APC. The money is our money.”
During the event, several prominent PDP leaders defected to the ruling party, including:
- Alhaji Esiwele Musa
- Abraham Osazuwa
- Sunny Ejie
- Robert Okoneme
They were joined by other PDP leaders across all 51 wards in the senatorial district.
The Governor, alongside APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, welcomed the decampees and handed them the party’s symbol the broom, urging them to support the party’s ongoing transformation in the state.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa appealed to the Esan people to continue supporting Governor Okpebholo, noting that his strong relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought unprecedented development to Edo.
“The President sees our Governor as his son, and the state enjoys the dividends of democracy. We won’t accept anything less than 90% victory in this election,” Idahosa said.
APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, who presented the party flag to Hon. Joseph Ikpea, described the Governor’s transition from the Senate as a legacy Ikpea must continue:
“The Governor, as a Senator, brought great development to Edo Central. Ikpea must pick up the mantle and keep it going.”
The Director General of the Senatorial campaign and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Victor Edoror, called for door-to-door campaigning to guarantee a landslide victory.
Joseph Ikpea, in his response, thanked the party for its trust and promised to build on the Governor’s record:
“I’ll continue the developmental strides Governor Okpebholo began here as a Senator.”
