Opposition Behind Rising Insecurity – Edo Gov Okpebholo Alleges

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has accused some opposition figures of sponsoring insecurity in parts of the country in a bid to distract President Bola Tinubu and discredit his administration.

Okpebholo made the allegation during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress campaign for the forthcoming local government council elections in Edo South Senatorial District.

The governor said the recent spike in insecurity was not accidental, alleging that it was being orchestrated by persons who wanted to weaken public confidence in Tinubu’s leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, those allegedly behind the insecurity are mistaken if they believe that creating fear and instability across the country will give them political advantage.

NO VACANCY IN ASO ROCK – OKPEBHOLO SAYS

Okpebholo declared that the presidency was not open to the opposition, insisting that attempts to use insecurity as a political weapon would fail.

He said, “They can even kidnap all of us, yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

The governor further alleged that the opposition had failed politically and was now using insecurity to attack the Federal Government.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.

“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” Okpebholo said.

He argued that no group or individual would secure seats in the Senate, House of Representatives or the presidency by destabilising the country.

Okpebholo also praised President Tinubu, saying his administration had done more for Nigeria than previous governments.

He said the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy was already being felt through various projects across Edo State.

According to the governor, although the policy came with initial hardship, it had created room for government to fund development projects and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

He urged APC members in the state to remain committed to the party and continue supporting Tinubu ahead of the next general elections.

Okpebholo congratulated candidates who emerged from the APC primary election for the forthcoming council polls, describing their emergence as an important step towards strengthening the party at the grassroots.

He said victory in the local government elections would signal the party’s readiness to deliver the 2.5 million votes pledged to President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The governor urged the candidates to work hard, remain united and take the message of the party to communities across the state.

He said the APC-led government in Edo had shown enough commitment to development to earn the support of the people.

Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, described the party as the only viable political platform in the state.

Tenebe urged the candidates to take the message of Okpebholo’s developmental strides to the nooks and crannies of Edo State.

He also charged them to replicate the governor’s development agenda in their various local government areas if elected.

The highlight of the campaign flag-off was the official unveiling of APC candidates in Edo South by the governor.

Those unveiled included Ogbeide Ihama for Senate, Dr Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, among others.

The event was attended by party leaders, candidates and supporters, who pledged to work for the victory of the APC in the forthcoming council elections.