The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has responded to criticism from the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that his recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and 2027 re-election bid was taken out of context.
In a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo dismissed the PDP’s accusations as “weak” and “politically bitter,” stressing that he had not violated any part of the Electoral Act, particularly Section 94(1), as alleged.
The controversy began after the governor, during a meeting with 17 out of 18 local government chairmen who had defected from the PDP to the APC, declared that President Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election with a landslide. He also praised the president for removing the fuel subsidy and taking decisive actions to stabilize the economy.
“There is no vacancy in 2027 in Abuja,” Okpebholo said. “Those forming a political party now can’t rule us.”
The PDP accused the governor of attempting to mislead the president and APC leadership about his influence in the state. However, Okpebholo defended his position, stating that his remarks were intended to foster stronger collaboration between the state and federal government, and that he was within his rights to support the president openly.
“Rather than issue press statements riddled with inaccuracies and political bitterness, the Edo PDP should take time to reflect on the massive goodwill Governor Okpebholo enjoys,” the statement read.
Governor Okpebholo also highlighted his administration’s achievements within just four months in office, asserting that his leadership is changing the narrative in Edo State and restoring public confidence in governance.
