‘Even if we’re kidnapped, Aso Rock is not vacant’ — Okpebholo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has cautioned individuals he accused of sponsoring insecurity in the country to desist, warning that such actions will not disrupt the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okpebholo made the remarks on Tuesday in Benin City during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for local government elections in the Edo South Senatorial District.

He alleged that the recent rise in insecurity across parts of the country was being orchestrated by political opponents aiming to discredit the current administration.

According to him, those behind insecurity should not expect political gain from destabilising the country, stressing that the presidency is not vacant.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us—there is still no vacancy. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition,” he said.

The governor argued that insecurity would not create political opportunities for perpetrators, insisting that continued violence would only harm governance and development.

He urged political actors to allow the federal government focus on delivering its mandate, rather than creating instability.

Okpebholo also maintained that the Tinubu administration had recorded more achievements than previous governments, noting that the impact of fuel subsidy removal was visible in ongoing development projects across Edo State and beyond.

He commended candidates who emerged from the APC primaries ahead of the upcoming local government elections, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver victory for the party.

The governor said their success would contribute to the party’s target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe described the party as the most viable political platform in the state and urged candidates to take the government’s achievements to grassroots communities.

The event featured the official unveiling of APC candidates for Edo South, including Ogbeide Ihama for the Senate, Dr. Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, among others.