Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo state, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will win the state in the 2027 presidential election, vowing to resign if the president fails to secure victory in the state.
Okpebholo made the statement on Friday during a media chat with TVC journalist Babajide Otitoju, in Benin, the Edo State capital.
He said Tinubu, whom he referred to as “Asiwaju”, now enjoys widespread support across the state.
“Asiwaju is even more popular than me here now,” he said. “Edo people know that what I’m doing is because of Asiwaju’s impact. There is no opposition here in Edo.”
‘He Will Win Perfectly’
Okpebholo insisted that no opposition figure poses a threat to Tinubu’s chances in the state.
“Everybody is for Asiwaju here,” he said. “If he will not win, I will resign as governor.”
He described the anticipated outcome as certain. According to him, the president will not face a contest in Edo but a proclamation.
“There is no election here for him. There is a proclamation for him,” he said.
Attack on Obaseki
The governor also criticised his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, questioning his influence in the state.
“Does Obaseki have any man here? Let him come,” he said. “You can’t scam Edo and come here.”
Okpebholo argued that Obaseki’s record in office would discourage him from returning to seek political relevance in the state.
“Because of his poor record, he cannot come,” he added.
Projects Driving Support
Furthermore, Okpebholo linked Tinubu’s popularity in Edo to federal projects executed in the state.
He cited ongoing infrastructure projects, including flyovers and road construction, as evidence of the president’s impact.
“You see that flyover? It is very dear to Edo people. You see the road we are doing? It is very dear to Edo people. These are the things that speak for Asiwaju here,” he said.
Grassroots Politics
Okpebholo described his political style as grassroots-driven rather than elite-focused.
“My style of politics is not thuggery. It is grassroots,” he said. “Do you see me with elites, or with people on the streets?”
He maintained that his confidence in Tinubu’s victory stems from direct engagement with ordinary citizens across the state.
