Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday received defectors from major political parties in the state and declared that he would secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The event took place at the Garrick Memorial Ground on Ekenwan Road in Benin City, where members of the African Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party formally joined the All Progressives Congress.
Addressing party leaders and supporters at the rally, the governor said Edo State is firmly aligned with the APC ahead of the next election cycle. He stated that the growing number of defectors shows increasing support for the ruling party, which he linked to ongoing development projects across the state.
Okpebholo expressed confidence that the President would not need to campaign heavily in Edo ahead of 2027 because the state is already secure for the APC.
He said residents can see the impact of governance through completed and ongoing projects, adding that the state’s progress is tied to support from the Federal Government under President Tinubu.
The governor thanked APC members in the state for maintaining unity and described the President as a strong leader whose policies have brought visible changes. He maintained that Edo people are ready to back the APC again in the next election.
In a move that drew applause from the crowd, Okpebholo invited television anchors Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati to visit Edo State and inspect projects firsthand. He said a tour of completed works would convince critics about the level of development achieved.
He also pointed out that the APC controls many states across the country, noting that the party remains strong nationwide. According to him, more political realignments are expected as 2027 approaches.
The governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu, stating that Edo remains politically stable for the ruling party. Since assuming office, he has continued to welcome new members into the APC and has repeatedly pledged to deliver 2.5 million votes for the President in the next general election.