Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared that the growing influence of APC governors across Nigeria places President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a strong position ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The governor made the remark on Wednesday during a large political gathering organised by the All Progressives Congress in Benin City, where thousands of party supporters and recent defectors gathered to demonstrate their allegiance to the ruling party.
Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Okpebholo emphasised that the political structure controlled by APC governors across the country provides the ruling party with a formidable advantage as Nigeria gradually moves toward the next general elections.
According to him, the party’s leadership at the state level reflects the confidence many Nigerians have in the direction of the current administration.
He explained that with the APC now controlling 31 state governments, the party already possesses a strong grassroots network capable of mobilising support in every region of the country.
Okpebholo noted that this level of political presence is rare in Nigeria’s democratic history and gives the ruling party a solid platform for sustaining its influence.
During the rally, the governor linked recent political developments in Edo State to a broader national shift in favour of the ruling party.
He said increasing defections from opposition parties have strengthened the APC’s position both in the state and nationwide.
Members and supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress were among those who recently joined the ruling party, a development Okpebholo described as evidence of growing trust in the APC’s leadership.
According to him, the rising number of defections is not merely political convenience but reflects a belief among many politicians and citizens that the current administration is capable of delivering long-term national progress.
Okpebholo also projected a strong electoral performance for the President in Edo State during the 2027 polls.
He expressed confidence that the state alone could deliver approximately 2.5 million votes in support of Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The governor said the political structure built by APC governors nationwide makes the upcoming election less about intense campaigning and more about consolidating achievements already recorded by the administration.
In his words, the President should focus on governance and national development rather than spending excessive time campaigning for the next election.
He told supporters that Tinubu’s visits to states across the country should be centred on inaugurating completed projects rather than political rallies.
According to him, visible achievements in infrastructure, economic initiatives, and governance will naturally convince voters.
Okpebholo stressed that Edo State has firmly aligned itself with the ruling party and would continue to play an important role in strengthening the APC’s political base.
He described the state as a reliable pillar of support for the party, adding that the cooperation between state leadership and the federal government has contributed to several development initiatives in the region.
The governor also highlighted what he described as tangible progress in Edo under the current administration.
He maintained that the government is prioritising practical policies and projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.
According to him, residents of Edo State can already see the results of these efforts through ongoing infrastructure development, improved public services, and increased government engagement with communities.
Okpebholo further noted that many of the state’s initiatives have been made possible through collaboration with the federal government.
He credited the administration of President Tinubu for providing support that enables the state government to implement development projects.
The governor remarked that the partnership between the state and federal authorities is helping to accelerate growth and strengthen governance in Edo.
He emphasised that responsible governance requires transparency and accountability, noting that public funds are being used strictly for projects that benefit the people.
Okpebholo said the administration remains committed to ensuring that every allocation and resource available to the state is directed toward meaningful development.
He also urged party members and supporters to remain united as the country moves closer to another election cycle.
According to him, unity within the party will ensure that the achievements of the current administration are sustained.
Political observers at the rally noted that the event was also aimed at consolidating support among grassroots supporters and strengthening party structures across Edo State.
The gathering served as an opportunity for party leaders to welcome new members while reaffirming their commitment to the APC’s national agenda.
As the rally concluded, Okpebholo reiterated his belief that the strength of APC governors across Nigeria provides a major advantage for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the widespread presence of the party at the state level demonstrates growing public trust and political stability.
For the governor and his supporters, the message was clear: the APC intends to consolidate its influence nationwide while continuing to promote policies that, they believe, will shape Nigeria’s political and economic future.
Ireport247news
