Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor, has called on political appointees, party leaders, government officials, and loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intensify efforts in mobilizing eligible residents for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ikhilor made the call while hosting political appointees, APC leaders, party faithful, and government officials at his residence in Irrua as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Adha celebration.
The SSG had earlier hosted neighbours, members of the Arewa and Muslim communities on May 27 before rounding off the celebrations on May 28 with party stakeholders and government officials.
Speaking during the gathering, Ikhilor urged party leaders across the state to take advantage of the voter registration exercise to strengthen the APC numerically and position the party for victory in the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, Edo State is prepared to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election.
“We know that Asiwaju is satisfied, and his 2.5 million votes are sure in Edo State. The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is ongoing, and we are moving round our communities encouraging those who are yet to register to do so,” he said.
“Let us continue to sensitize our people on the need to get registered. I urge party leaders and stakeholders to mobilize massively and actualize the 2.5 million votes target for President Tinubu in 2027.”
Ikhilor also commended commissioners and political appointees for supporting Governor Monday Okpebholo in delivering on his campaign promises to the people of Edo State.
He noted that the governor’s developmental strides in infrastructure and human capital development are positively impacting residents across the state.
“It has been memorable over the past two days, and I thank everyone for their cooperation. I have been praised by many people today, but all thanks go to Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose support made everything possible,” he stated.
“We thank God for what He is using the governor to do in Esanland and Edo State in general, especially in infrastructure and human capacity development.”
The SSG further praised Governor Okpebholo for consistently providing food items to residents during festive periods, including Christmas, Easter, and Sallah celebrations across the three senatorial districts of the state.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Felix Akhabue, described Ikhilor as a unifying figure whose gatherings provide opportunities for grassroots engagement and political mobilization.
“The SSG is a unifier who brings people together. This is the third time I am attending such a gathering in both Benin and Irrua,” Akhabue said.
“The governor cannot be everywhere, so he relies on loyal foot soldiers like the SSG who are helping to deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo people.”
Akhabue also urged commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, and other appointees to emulate the SSG’s leadership style in fostering unity and strengthening support for the governor.
Similarly, APC leader in Edo Central Senatorial District, Chief William Shaka Momodu, commended Ikhilor for his contributions towards the success of the Okpebholo administration.
Representing the Arewa community, Hon. Bawa applauded Governor Okpebholo for ongoing infrastructural projects spread across the 18 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the projects are already improving the livelihoods of residents and ensuring balanced development across the three senatorial districts.
Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Bisi Idaomi; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Ebojele; officials of the Edo State Transport Authority, Edo Line, Edo State Waste Management Board, Special Advisers, management staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and ISTH, ward chairmen, and members of the Arewa community, among others.
