President Bola Tinubu wants Edo residents to support his re-election bid in 2027. He says another four years would help him complete ongoing projects.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima delivered the appeal on Tinubu’s behalf. He spoke on Thursday, November 12, at an APC presidential campaign rally in Benin City.
“We have come this far with your trust and we seek your mandate to finish the work we have begun,” Shettima told the crowd.
He highlighted several federal projects across Edo State. They include the dualisation of roads leading to Ekpoma, Auchi and Okene. The government has also started repairs on the Benin-Asaba road.
“We are determined to build roads on which a trader and aggregator could no longer lose money to delays,” Shettima said.
He urged residents to hold the government accountable for its promises.
“You have every right to hold us to our word until you can travel these roads in comfort,” he added.
Shettima highlights power and healthcare projects
Shettima also listed other projects that the Tinubu administration has undertaken in Edo.
They include the completed Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline. He said new transmission lines could add 600 megawatts to the national grid.
The Vice-President also highlighted radiotherapy services at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). He added that the Federal Government supports 158 public health facilities across Edo.
On cultural heritage, Shettima discussed efforts to recover the Benin artefacts. He said Cambridge and Sweden had transferred ownership of some Benin treasures to Nigeria.
Okpebholo promises 2.5 million votes for Tinubu
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo declared support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
He asked Shettima to deliver a message to the President.
“I need you to take this message back to Mr. President, that in Edo State we are ready. 16th January 2027,” Okpebholo said.
The governor also promised to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence in the APC’s chances. He declared, “The election in Edo is over,” before urging residents to support the President.
Former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole also called for support for all APC candidates. He noted that the rally coincided with Okpebholo’s second anniversary in office.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma urged residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the election.
“If you collect your permanent voter’s card you have the weapon. The weapon we need on January 16th is the PVCs,” he said.
Tinubu seeks another four-t mandate
The Benin City rally forms part of the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election and now seeks another four-year term.
At the rally, his campaign team highlighted infrastructure, healthcare and energy projects in Edo. However, residents will ultimately judge the administration by its delivery and the impact of those projects.
Okpebholo’s 2.5 million-vote pledge also reflects the APC’s campaign target. The figure represents a political promise, not an election result.
