Governor Monday Okpebholo has alleged that some individuals are sponsoring insecurity across Nigeria in an attempt to distract the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and weaken public confidence in his leadership.
Okpebholo made the claim during the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government council elections in Edo South Senatorial District.
According to the governor, the recent increase in kidnapping and other security challenges is being orchestrated by political opponents seeking to discredit the Federal Government.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition,” he said.
The governor argued that insecurity cannot serve as a pathway to political power, questioning the logic of harming citizens in pursuit of electoral success.
“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,” he stated.
Okpebholo further maintained that neither legislative positions nor the presidency could be won through acts of violence and insecurity.
“They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he added.
The Edo governor also commended President Tinubu’s administration, claiming that it has delivered more benefits to Nigerians than previous governments. He pointed to ongoing infrastructure and development projects in Edo State as evidence of the gains from the removal of fuel subsidies, saying residents are beginning to experience the impact of the policy.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Okpebholo expressed optimism about the APC’s prospects in Edo State, noting that strong performances in upcoming local government elections would strengthen the party’s position and contribute to the state’s pledge of delivering 2.5 million votes to President Tinubu.
Also speaking at the event, Jarrett Tenebe described the APC as the leading political party in Edo State and urged candidates to campaign on the achievements of the current administration.
The event featured the presentation of several APC candidates for the local government elections, including Ogbeide Ihama, Paddy Iyamu, and Omorede Igbinedion, among others.
