Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo State, has declared his support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, saying no amount of intimidation or insecurity would alter the ruling party’s resolve ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at a rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Okpebholo praised Tinubu’s leadership and urged party supporters to remain steadfast.
“What can we say to our president? All we have to say is thank you, president,” he said.
“Thank you, president. God bless the government.”
The governor alleged that the recent wave of insecurity and kidnappings is an attempt by some opposition elements to destabilise the country.
“What is happening today is the hand of the opposition,” he said.
“They have failed. Have they not failed?”
Okpebholo maintained that kidnappings and other acts of violence would not weaken support for the president or create an opening for opposition parties.
“Let them know that even if they kidnap me, there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he said.
“Let them kidnap all of us, yet there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock.”
The governor questioned the rationale behind targeting schoolchildren and innocent citizens, arguing that insecurity only undermines the nation’s future.
“Is it by kidnapping children?” he asked.
“Then who are you coming to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern.”
Okpebholo called for peace and unity, saying the government requires a stable environment to deliver on its programmes and policies.
“So, let them give us peace so that we can rule our country very, very well,” he said.
