Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said Nigeria cannot afford to replace a performing president, declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is already delivering transformative reforms across critical sectors of the country.
The governor spoke in Benin City during the inauguration of senatorial, local government area and youth coordinators for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Speaking at the event which took place at Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub along Airport Road, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo praised the President’s policies in areas including petroleum, security, education and the economy, describing them as bold and courageous steps that are repositioning Nigeria.
He urged residents of Edo State to rally behind the President to ensure his return to Aso Rock for a second term.
“I promised Mr President 2.5 million votes. Our party chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, added to it, the women leader also added, and now we have 3.9 million votes. Edo people must deliver on this promise,” Okpebholo said.
Expressing confidence in the readiness of Edo citizens to mobilize across age groups, the governor stressed that effective mobilisation and a proven governance record would secure victory for the President.
“It is not just about agenda; it is about capacity to mobilize. Edo people are prepared. Nobody can beat Asiwaju’s record in governance. We cannot replace a man who is performing,” he added.
Okpebholo further noted that the presence of 30 APC governors across the country has already strengthened the President’s re-election bid, insisting that the party is firmly positioned for victory in 2027.
He directed local government chairmen in the state’s 18 LGAs to erect at least 20 billboards each and ensure that the Renewed Hope message penetrates communities at the grassroots.
“The religious groups must hear this message. Churches and mosques must be involved. Religious groups will be inaugurated soon,” he said.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa pledged unwavering loyalty to the governor, assuring him of his commitment to working together to secure Edo State for President Tinubu.
“No one can use me against the governor. I am loyal, and I stand with you 100 per cent. Together, we will deliver Edo for President Tinubu in 2027,” Idahosa said.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said women in the state remain solidly behind the APC, noting that women constitute 51 per cent of the voting population in Edo State.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the governor’s performance in office would further energise the mobilisation of votes for President Tinubu in the coming election.
State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, commended Governor Okpebholo’s developmental initiatives, describing his administration as one that is transforming Edo State and improving the welfare of its people. He also praised the Edo State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sylvester Aiggboboh, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver the expected votes for the President.
In his welcome address, Aiggboboh lauded President Tinubu’s reforms, saying they are restoring confidence and attracting investors to the country. He noted that the benefits of fuel subsidy removal are beginning to emerge.
“The objective of this group is to foster inclusiveness, galvanise grassroots support, and consolidate the gains towards President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he said, while calling on members to remain loyal to the party and committed to national service.
The three senatorial leaders of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors are—Joshua Uwagboe, Hon. Odinose Okojie and Hon. Abdul Lawani.
