Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a bold statement vowing to resign from his position if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to secure victory in Edo State during the 2027 presidential election. The declaration underscores the governor’s unwavering confidence in Tinubu’s support base within the state and his personal alignment with the APC’s political agenda.
The statement was made during an in-depth conversation with veteran journalist Babajide Otitoju, where Governor Okpebholo provided detailed insights into the current political landscape in Edo. He insisted that the political climate in Edo has swung decisively in Tinubu’s favour, pointing to widespread popular support and the impact of Tinubu’s policies and initiatives in the state.
According to Governor Okpebholo, “Asiwaju (Tinubu) is even more popular than me here now because Edo people already know that what I’m doing is because of Asiwaju’s impact. I’m telling you. You will see the kind of result that will come out from here because there’s no opposition here in Edo.”
“Everybody is for Asiwaju here,” he said.
When Otitoju raised the possibility that supporters of former Governor Godwin Obaseki might mobilize against the APC in the 2027 election, Governor Okpebholo dismissed the notion outright, emphasizing his belief in the enduring strength of Tinubu’s support. He said, “Who? Obaseki. I’m telling you anytime he comes to Edo, wherever he is, you’ll be hearing me now. Let him come. If he comes, I bet with you.” He even extended his pinky finger to the interviewer to underline his confidence in this bet.
Otitoju reminded Governor Okpebholo that historically, the PDP and Obaseki often regained momentum close to elections, yet the governor remained resolute in his dismissal of such threats. “You cannot scam Edo and come back here,” he said. “He cannot come. I’m telling you. Because of his poor record. His poor record will not make him to come. When children can stand to pray for me, no child on the street will pray for Obaseki. No mother on the street will pray for Obaseki.”
Addressing the Labour Party’s previous electoral performance in Edo, the governor downplayed the party’s influence, describing it as largely irrelevant in the current political context. He said, “When? Labour Party. In the election that took place, that by-election that took place in Edo Central and Ovia, did you see them? We have never produced the kind of result we produced in Esan. Some people, Edo people, have never even told Asiwaju thank you.”
Governor Okpebholo further highlighted specific infrastructural projects credited to President Tinubu as pivotal in consolidating popular support. “You see that flyover? It’s very dear to Edo people. You see the one in Adesuwa? It’s very dear to Edo people. You see that road we are doing? Sapele Road? It’s very dear to Edo people. So these are the things that will speak for Asiwaju. And he will win here. Perfectly.”
He reiterated his most daring statement yet, undeterred by Otitoju’s caution about the risks of making such promises. “If Asiwaju does not win here, I will resign as governor. I am telling you. I am the one telling you. There is no election here for him. My brother, forget it,” he said, making his pledge emphatically clear.
In defending his political style, Governor Okpebholo positioned himself as a grassroots politician deeply influenced by the late Chief Tony Anenih. “I understood Chief Anenih. My style is not thuggery. It is grassroots. You don’t see me with elites; you see me with ordinary people on the streets,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to community engagement and direct interaction with the electorate rather than elite-driven politics.
The interview painted a comprehensive picture of Governor Okpebholo’s confidence in President Tinubu’s popularity in Edo, his dismissal of opposition threats, and his personal political philosophy rooted in grassroots mobilization and tangible development projects that resonate with the people.