Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described the 2027 general election as a defining moment for Nigeria, urging citizens to take the poll seriously as the country decides whether to sustain its current trajectory of growth and development or return to retrogression.

Okpebholo made the remarks while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s mobilisation campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in Akoko-Edo and Etsako West Local Government Areas of Edo State.

The governor, who visited Azane Model Primary School in Ibillo and Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo, also addressed APC members at the Auchi Township Stadium and Azama Primary School, Ikpe-Uzuirue, in Etsako West.

According to him, the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to elect the president, senators, members of the House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly who would continue the development programmes of the current administration.

“2027 is a defining year for Nigeria’s growth and development. This is the year we are voting for our president, Senators, House of Representatives members and House of Assembly members to finish the good work our president commenced,” Okpebholo said.

The governor commended President Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy, describing the policy as a major step towards addressing some of the economic challenges confronting the country.

He said the reforms introduced by the Federal Government, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, would produce long-term benefits for Nigerians, adding that citizens would increasingly begin to feel the impact of the measures.

Okpebholo also assured residents that his administration would sustain its infrastructure development programme across the three senatorial districts of Edo State as part of its commitment to what he described as practical governance.

Responding to requests from residents of Akoko-Edo for a transformer and the rehabilitation of the area’s water board, the governor promised immediate intervention.

“The step-down transformer you requested will be provided and it’s a package we will deliver to make you know that I am a son of President Tinubu,” he said.

He further directed the relevant ministry to assess the condition of the water board and make recommendations for its rehabilitation.

“I will inform the necessary ministry to visit this place and recommend to us what should be done to revive the water board here. We will do all to ensure that we resolve and find solutions to the water problem facing our people here,” the governor said.

Okpebholo also promised to rehabilitate a bridge linking Ibillo, which he said had been severely damaged by flooding.

“When I was coming to Ibillo here, I saw the bridge leading to this place in a bad shape. The bridge is almost washed away by flood. I will get an expert to fix the bridge and make it motorable,” he said.

Idahosa, Oshiomhole Back Tinubu Re-election Bid

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended Okpebholo for his administration’s efforts to address insecurity in Edo State.

Idahosa said the government had taken steps to tackle cult-related killings, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, claiming that residents were beginning to experience improved security across the state.

“Before you became the governor of Edo State, there was a lot of insecurity in the State. You came and began to tackle it and evidence shows you are winning the war against insecurity. Edo people are very happy for ensuring that peace returned to Edo State,” Idahosa said.

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also praised Tinubu for what he described as courage, determination and commitment to implementing fundamental reforms.

Oshiomhole called for continuity in government and urged APC members to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election to enable the president to complete his development agenda.

The Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, similarly appealed to residents of Akoko-Edo and Etsako West to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Tenebe said the state needed strong support from the electorate to strengthen its demand for the creation of additional local government areas.

He argued that collaboration among the governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives and the Edo State House of Assembly would help advance the state’s demand for additional local government areas.

Tenebe also urged APC members to work towards achieving the 2.5 million votes the Edo APC has pledged to deliver to Tinubu.

The APC mobilisation campaign has so far covered 11 of Edo State’s 18 local government areas, including Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Owan East, Owan West, Akoko-Edo and Etsako West.

The statement was signed by Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.