BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of victims of recent abductions across the country, warning that political power cannot be attained through kidnapping, banditry, or any form of criminality.
The governor made the call on Tuesday while flagging off the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the Edo South Senatorial District local government elections at Urhokpota Hall in Benin City.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Okpebholo condemned the increasing wave of kidnappings and cautioned against attempts to use insecurity as a means of undermining governance and national stability.
“Those seeking political power should not distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from delivering good governance to Nigerians. Kidnapping innocent citizens will not win elections. Political power cannot be secured through criminal activities,” the governor said.
He expressed concern over the recent abduction of students, teachers, and other citizens in various parts of the country, including Oyo State, and urged their captors to release them without conditions.
The governor stressed that insecurity must not be allowed to derail ongoing efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians through developmental initiatives.
Okpebholo also commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had increased resources available to state governments for infrastructure and other critical projects.
Reaffirming his support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections, the governor declared that Edo State would remain firmly behind Tinubu’s administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Edo State will stand firmly behind President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.
Speaking on the forthcoming local government elections, Okpebholo said the APC was introducing a new political direction in the state by fielding young and energetic candidates capable of driving development at the grassroots level.
“We are changing the face of politics in Edo State by giving young and capable people the opportunity to lead at the grassroots level. The future belongs to our youths, and we are creating pathways for them to contribute meaningfully to governance,” he said.
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, praised the governor’s commitment to youth inclusion, noting that the administration had consistently created opportunities for young people to occupy strategic positions in government.
A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the APC candidates for Edo South Senatorial District by Governor Okpebholo. Among those presented were Engr. Ogbeide Ihama, Dr. Paddy Iyamu of Oredo Federal Constituency, and Barrister Omorede Igbinedion of Ovia Federal Constituency, among others.
The event attracted party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders from across the district as preparations intensify for the local government elections.
Source: Statement by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, June 9, 2026.
