Okpebholo alleges opposition behind rising insecurity, says Tinubu unshaken

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the recent surge in insecurity across the country is being orchestrated by political opponents seeking to undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the claim on Tuesday while launching the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in Edo South Senatorial District.

Okpebholo argued that the worsening security situation was a deliberate attempt to distract the President and tarnish his achievements, insisting that such efforts would not alter the political landscape.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the governor declared, adding that those promoting insecurity would not secure elective positions through violence and instability.

According to him, kidnapping and other criminal activities cannot serve as a pathway to political power, warning that continued insecurity would only harm the people such politicians hope to govern.

“What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition. They have failed. Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. Let them give us peace so that we can govern well,” he said.

The governor maintained that President Tinubu’s administration has delivered more benefits to Nigerians than previous governments, citing infrastructure projects and other developments linked to the removal of fuel subsidy.

Okpebholo also commended APC candidates who emerged victorious in the party’s primaries ahead of the local government elections, expressing confidence in the party’s chances at the polls.

He further reiterated the party’s commitment to mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, stating that the APC in Edo remains determined to contribute significantly to the President’s vote tally in the 2027 elections.

The governor said the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts would help achieve its target of delivering 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the next presidential poll.