Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged that the state will deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The governor made this promise during a public event, expressing strong support for Tinubu’s leadership and policies while assuring the president of Edo’s loyalty and political backing in his bid for re-election.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office in 2024 under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described Tinubu as a leader committed to Nigeria’s development and stability. He stated that Edo people are firmly behind the president and will demonstrate this support with a massive turnout at the polls in 2027.
“Edo will give you 2.5 million votes in 2027,” Okpebholo declared confidently while addressing President Tinubu. “We will stand with you. We will deliver. The people of Edo are ready.” His remarks were met with applause from party supporters and government officials in attendance.
The promise is being interpreted by political observers as part of a broader effort by the APC to consolidate power ahead of the next general elections. Edo State has historically been a politically competitive region, often swinging between the APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Okpebholo’s pledge signals the APC’s intention to solidify its grip on the state and position it as a stronghold in the South-South geopolitical zone.
Analysts note that delivering 2.5 million votes may be a significant challenge, considering the population size and voter turnout in the state. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the total number of registered voters in Edo State as of the 2023 general election was slightly over 2.5 million. Actual voter turnout in recent elections has typically been far lower, hovering between 25 and 35 percent.
In the 2023 presidential election, the APC did not win Edo State, which was one of several South-South states captured by the opposition Labour Party. The promise by Governor Okpebholo thus reflects an ambitious goal and a desire to reverse past outcomes by delivering a decisive victory for the APC in future polls.
Supporters of the governor view his pledge as a show of loyalty to the president and a strategic move to attract federal attention and resources to Edo. Critics, however, argue that such political promises should be rooted in electoral reality and actual performance on governance rather than declarations aimed at gaining favor.
The governor has been increasingly vocal about aligning the state’s development agenda with federal priorities. Since taking office, he has expressed interest in collaborating closely with the Tinubu administration to attract investment and expand infrastructure projects in Edo. This includes road rehabilitation, industrial development, and initiatives to boost employment.
President Tinubu has not publicly commented on Okpebholo’s pledge, but members of his inner circle have acknowledged it as a sign of deepening support for the administration within the party. The APC national leadership is expected to ramp up efforts to reclaim states it lost in the last general election, and Okpebholo’s vow aligns with that strategy.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, such political commitments are likely to intensify, especially as the APC seeks to consolidate its base across all six geopolitical zones. Whether Edo State can realistically deliver the number of votes pledged remains uncertain, but the statement underscores the high stakes and fierce competition that will define the next presidential race.
