The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed Governor Monday Okpebholo for a second term, with State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe declaring that the administration’s development projects and growing political support have strengthened the party’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.
Tenebe announced the endorsement on Friday at the grand finale of the party’s grassroots mobilisation campaign in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, following what he described as an assessment of the administration’s performance across Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts.
He said the party’s State Working Committee had toured the three districts to assess ongoing projects and developments, adding that the findings had reinforced its conviction that Okpebholo deserved another term.
“Considering the development going on and the massive support the governor enjoys, I do not think we can afford to wait before taking this decision,” Tenebe said before calling on members of the committee present to endorse the governor.
The endorsement reflects the party leadership’s stated confidence in the administration’s direction, with Edo APC Vice Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh highlighting projects in road infrastructure, teacher recruitment and healthcare facilities as evidence of progress within the governor’s first year and 11 months in office.
Responding, Okpebholo thanked Tenebe and members of the State Working Committee for their confidence and continued support, urging party members to sustain their commitment to the administration and the APC’s political objectives.
He also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling on party members to rally behind the President’s leadership.
Tenebe, in turn, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to mobilising support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Edo would make a significant contribution to the APC’s stated target of 2.5 million votes for the President.
The governor also criticised the ongoing industrial action involving staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), alleging that the disruption was politically motivated and warning against using electricity supply as a tool in political disputes.
He said he intended to raise the matter with the relevant authorities in Abuja, insisting that residents’ welfare should not be compromised by political differences.
“I am surprised. When they started hearing about our popularity, they said they will cut off electricity supply to Edo,” Okpebholo said. He added that he would seek an explanation from those responsible, stressing: “You cannot play politics with people’s lives.”
The endorsement came as the Edo APC intensified its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, combining efforts to consolidate support for Tinubu nationally with the party leadership’s declaration of confidence in Okpebholo’s administration and its development agenda in the state.
