Okpebholo Predicts Tinubu’s Victory Amidst Allegations of Bribery
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has boldly declared that President Bola Tinubu will secure a landslide victory in the 2027 presidential election, a prediction that comes amid fresh controversy over the defection of 17 local government chairmen from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okpebholo made the declaration at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, while addressing the newly defected council bosses, praising Tinubu’s administration for making what he described as “bold and necessary decisions” to reposition the country. Citing the removal of the contentious fuel subsidy as a major achievement, the governor claimed that previous administrations had shied away from such crucial reforms.
According to Okpebholo, his own administration is committed to transforming Edo State, boasting that within four months in office, he has already “changed the narrative.” He accused his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, of mismanaging the state, alleging that Edo had been plagued with insecurity, financial misappropriation, and policies that stagnated development.
“I welcome you all, our chairmen, who have come to join us, and I praise you for the courage and bravery to leave your party for the APC. It takes a grounded politician to make such a decision. Edo was not working when we came into office. We inherited insecurity, killings, looting of the state treasury, and backward policies from the Obaseki administration. But we have reversed that trajectory,” Okpebholo asserted.
The governor took the opportunity to appreciate former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, as well as APC state Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, for their unwavering support in strengthening the party’s grip in the state.
PDP Accuses Okpebholo of Inducing Chairmen with N2 Million Bribe
However, the PDP has fiercely condemned the defections, alleging that the mass exodus was orchestrated through financial inducement. The party’s Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, accused Okpebholo of using state resources to buy political loyalty rather than addressing critical governance issues.
In a statement to the press, Nehikhare claimed that Okpebholo had summoned all 18 local government chairmen in a bid to lure them with a financial offer of N2 million each to defect to the APC.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the reckless use of state resources to purchase support and loyalty, while critical sectors of the state remain in dire need of intervention. Security, public safety, education, healthcare, and revenue generation have been neglected, yet the governor is prioritizing political gain over governance,” Nehikhare stated.
Political analysts suggest that this wave of defections could significantly alter Edo State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. However, concerns remain over the alleged monetization of politics, raising questions about the credibility of the ruling party’s growing influence.
As Edo citizens watch these developments unfold, the controversy surrounding these defections underscores the ongoing battle for power in the state—a battle where governance and public welfare risk being sidelined in favor of political maneuvering.
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Okpebholo Predicts Tinubu’s Victory Amidst Allegations of Bribery