The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has accused opposition parties of exploiting insecurity to undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday during the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in Edo South Senatorial District.
Okpebholo argued that insecurity would not help opposition parties secure positions in the National Assembly or the presidency, insisting that Tinubu’s seat remains secure.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us — yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he said.
“What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.
“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern?
“There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well.”
The governor maintained that President Tinubu has achieved more than previous administrations, adding that the benefits of fuel subsidy removal are already visible through ongoing development projects across Edo State.
He also congratulated candidates who emerged from the party’s primary election ahead of the council polls, expressing confidence that their success would strengthen the APC’s support base and contribute to delivering the 2.5 million votes the party has pledged for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, Jarrett Tenebe, chairman of the APC in Edo State, described the party as the dominant political force in the state.
He urged candidates to take the message of the administration’s achievements to communities across Edo and replicate similar development efforts in their respective local government areas if elected.
The event also featured the unveiling of the APC’s Edo South candidates by the governor, including Ogbeide Ihama for the Senate, Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, among others.
The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has scheduled local government elections across the state’s 18 councils for July 11, 2026.