By Edward Oseghe
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged residents to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that federal reforms and ongoing development projects make political cooperation with Abuja imperative.
Okpebholo made the appeal on Wednesday during a visit to the palace of the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Zaiki Anselm Aidenojie II, in Esan North-East Local Government Area, accompanied by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The man driving that success is Mr. President. That is why I am here to tell you that I do not want Edo to be in opposition to this government because of the progress we are already making,” the governor said.
Defending his administration’s performance, Okpebholo listed road construction, the upgrading of primary healthcare centres, regular salary payments and school construction among its priorities. He said several roads had been completed, with work underway on others across the state, adding that the projects would ease transportation and boost economic activities.
Acknowledging that infrastructure development takes time, he said the benefits of some projects would not be immediate.
“Most of the work I am undertaking cannot manifest in one day. It takes time because it involves construction,” he said.
On electricity, the governor disclosed that a 100-megawatt power plant was expected to come on stream in Edo South in the near future, alongside another project expected to add 16 megawatts. He said both projects were part of efforts to address the state’s persistent power challenge.
Earlier, Aidenojie, speaking on behalf of the Esan Enigies, commended the governor for accelerating development in Edo. He prayed for God’s continued blessings and wisdom for Okpebholo and, describing him as his son, expressed confidence that he would complete the anticipated eight years of his administration.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Okpebholo’s message links his administration’s development agenda to a broader political argument: that Edo residents should support Tinubu and avoid opposition to the Federal Government as the state pursues infrastructure expansion and improved electricity supply.