Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on voters across the South-South region to unite and mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election.
Okpebholo made the call on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City while receiving the leadership of the Union of Tippers, Suppliers and Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTSQEN), who paid him a courtesy visit.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor urged people in the region to speak with one voice and deliver what he described as unity votes for the President.
The governor expressed support for Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had increased the financial resources available to state governments for development projects.
“Subsidy was a cancerous worm eating deeper into the nation, and its removal has brought relief,” Okpebholo said.
He also credited the Tinubu administration with supporting Edo State’s infrastructure development, particularly road construction and rehabilitation.
According to him, several roads across the state have become motorable, while his administration has adopted concrete pavement for the reconstruction of Sapele Road, a method he described as expensive but more durable.
“It is an expensive venture, but it is very durable,” the governor said.
He added that previous administrations could have reduced the state’s road infrastructure challenges by adopting similar measures to address deteriorating roads.
Okpebholo called on Nigerians, particularly voters in the South-South, to support Tinubu for a second term, arguing that the President should be allowed to consolidate his reforms across different sectors of the economy.
“Tinubu is the man to vote for in 2027. The North has done its eight years, and it is the turn of the South to do its eight years. There is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he said.
The governor further urged political leaders and residents of the South-South to mobilise support for the President ahead of the election.
“We in the South-South should mobilise and ensure unity votes for the President. I want us to speak with a loud voice and in unity. Let us reason together and bring out unity votes for President Tinubu,” he added.
UTSQEN Commends Okpebholo
Earlier, the National Chairman of UTSQEN, Wilson Ogbachi, commended the governor for his performance in office and encouraged him to remain focused on delivering development to the state.
Ogbachi said the delegation visited the Government House to formally invite Okpebholo to the union’s national delegates’ conference, where he is expected to attend as a special guest of honour.
He explained that the conference is held every four years and noted that this would be the first time Edo State would host the event.
The UTSQEN chairman also praised the governor’s efforts in improving security, describing it as a critical factor for economic growth and investment.
“We are grateful for your efforts and achievements in the area of security, because security is the bedrock of development, and investors take it very seriously,” Ogbachi said.
