The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has criticized the Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for misinterpreting his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its policies. In a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Saturday, Okpebholo referred to the party’s remarks against him as “weak.”
The statement clarified that the governor has never breached any provisions of the Electoral Act, including Section 94(1), contrary to the claims made by the faction of the PDP in Edo.
It further emphasized that the governor, like any responsible Nigerian, has the right to endorse the president’s vision and administration.
During a meeting with 17 acting chairmen from 18 local government areas in the state who defected from the PDP to the APC, Okpebholo expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election. He commended President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the actions taken to eliminate the contentious fuel subsidy were steps that the previous administration hesitated to undertake, which would have positioned the nation for development and growth.
The governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the citizens, stating that in just four months in office, he and his team have transformed the narrative of Edo State.
He remarked, “The 2027 election is a certainty in Edo State, as President Bola Amed Tinubu will remain in office. I urge all 17 of you to begin the campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s election starting today. Return to your local governments and set up his billboards to promote the message of his reelection.
“There will be no vacancy in Abuja in 2027. Those attempting to form a political party now cannot govern us. They previously ruled their states, leading to suffering from issues like kidnapping, but since their departure from office, those states have become safer. Such individuals are unfit to lead Nigeria,” he asserted.
His announcement, however, was met with disapproval from the PDP in the state, which accused him of attempting to mislead both the president and the APC leadership into thinking he still possesses political influence in Edo.
In a statement released on Saturday, Okpebholo responded, stating, “A feeble statement attributed to the factional Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged on Friday, wherein the once dynamic party attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to misinterpret a patriotic comment made by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, regarding his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It must be clearly stated that Governor Okpebholo has never violated any provisions of the Electoral Act, including Section 94(1), as falsely claimed by the factional PDP in Edo. The Governor, like any responsible Nigerian, has the right to express his support for the President’s vision and administration.
“It is absurd that the Edo PDP, in its quest to maintain relevance, has resorted to distorting every statement made by the Governor to gain trivial political advantages. Governor Okpebholo’s remarks were intended to enhance collaboration with the Federal Government for the advancement of Edo State. Furthermore, he is entitled to initiate a re-election campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without any need for justification.
“The PDP’s impulsive response once again reveals its profound insecurity and diminishing influence within the State.
“Instead of issuing press releases filled with inaccuracies and political animosity, the Edo PDP should take a moment to consider the substantial goodwill that Governor Okpebholo enjoys across various political affiliations and among the citizens of Edo State, who are already experiencing a refreshing change in governance.
“If Governor Okpebholo chooses to launch an open re-election campaign for President Tinubu, it is his prerogative. Regrettably, the current state of the notorious PDP reflects a political party in turmoil, struggling to regain its lost significance.”
The citizens of Edo State are not deceived. They recognize that Governor Okpebholo is dedicated to fulfilling his responsibilities, rebuilding trust in governance, and steering Edo towards a future of peace, prosperity, and advancement.
