Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he will step down from office if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to win the state in the 2027 presidential election.
Gatekeepers News reports that in an interview with ALL, the Governor asserted that All Progressives Congress (APC) now firmly controls the political scene in Edo.
Okpebholo said that the party faces no meaningful opposition ahead of the next polls, adding that Tinubu’s influence is so strong in the state that the president’s popularity surpasses his own.
He said, “Asiwaju is even more popular than me here now because Edo people already understand that the progress they’re seeing is tied to his impact”, noting that the administration’s growing acceptance stems from the president’s direct effect on his government.
According to him, Edo residents are eager to reward the president at the ballot box, and he is ready to take personal responsibility if things turn out differently.
He said, “Everybody is for Asiwaju. The people will thank him with their votes. If he does not win, I’d resign.”
The Governor further dismissed claims that APC lacks local support, noting that his political style is shaped by mentorship and genuine community engagement, not intimidation. He said, lI studied under Chief Anenih. My politics is grassroots, not thuggery.”
Okpebholo also criticised former Governor Godwin Obaseki, alleging that Obaseki’s performance has made him unwelcome among ordinary citizens.
He said, “Let him come here. The record will show whether he should come or not. His poor record will not allow him”, adding that while residents openly pray for him, no child or mother on the street will pray for Obaseki.
The Governor maintained that his early initiatives, including direct outreach and a people-first agenda, have further strengthened the APC’s grip on the state. He stressed that 2027 election outcome in Edo is already becoming clear.
He said, “Asiwaju is our father. He’s everywhere in the state. Edo will reward him in 2027.”
