The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for claiming that the state will deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Governor Okpebholo made the promise at a political rally on Sunday in Esan Central Local Government Area, where many PDP members reportedly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the large number of votes would be a reward for President Tinubu’s support for the state.
Okpebholo said, “In 2027, we will reward President Tinubu’s love for Edo with 2.5 million votes. Edo is APC, and APC is the vehicle of our development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
But the PDP’s caretaker committee called the statement “laughable” and “insulting” to the people of Edo State. The party said it was shocking that Okpebholo, who had only managed to secure about 300,000 votes in his own election, was now claiming he could deliver nearly all the registered voters in the state to Tinubu.
In a statement on Monday, the committee’s publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said: “The statement credited to Senator Monday Okpebholo is an outright insult to the intelligence of the Edo people. It reeks of desperation and sycophancy.”
Nehikhare added, “It is deeply troubling that while Edo people are facing rising insecurity, hunger, and hardship, the governor is more focused on seeking praise in Abuja with empty promises.”
He also said the governor’s claim of 2.5 million votes was unrealistic, as it represents nearly the entire voting population of the state.
Despite the backlash, Governor Okpebholo stood by his statement and praised the many former PDP members who joined the APC. He described the defection as proof that the PDP was no longer relevant in his constituency.
“This defection marks the political end of the PDP in this local government. Their decision to align with our party is a clear endorsement of our leadership and the impact of our developmental agenda,” he said.
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The governor welcomed several high-profile politicians into the APC, including former Edo State APC chairman, Anselm Ojezua, state lawmakers, former council chairmen, and other PDP leaders. He assured them that APC remained an open platform for everyone willing to work for progress.
“I will not fail you. I will continue to work diligently to ensure that Edo enjoys sustained development under my watch,” Okpebholo promised.
Also speaking at the event, retired Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe, APC leader in Edo Central, told the new members that the party believes in unity and equal opportunity.
“Join this movement of peace and purpose. Together, we will move Edo forward,” he said.
Top government officials at the event included Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff Gani Audu, and acting APC Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh.