Edo governor rallies party leaders and supporters in Edo Central, stressing cohesion ahead of local government polls and the 2027 general elections

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central Senatorial District to remain united and focused on securing victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the appeal on Thursday during a series of interactive meetings with APC leaders, party faithful and support groups in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, where he emphasised the importance of unity and collective responsibility in sustaining the party’s political success.

The engagements took place at the governor’s residence in Irrua and the Okaijesan Town Hall, Irrua, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen party cohesion, address concerns raised by members and mobilise support ahead of the July 11, 2026 local government elections and the 2027 presidential poll.

Among those present were APC chairmanship candidates, 51 councillorship candidates from the five local government areas in Edo Central, party executives, community leaders and members of various support groups.

The governor also held separate interactions with the Esan Central Bike and Keke Riders Association, the Edo Women Ambassadors for Renewed Hope Agenda (EWARHA), Edo Central chapter, and representatives of the Arewa community in the district.

Addressing party members, Okpebholo stressed that internal unity would be crucial to the APC’s electoral fortunes in the coming years.

“Politics is all about give and take. I called this meeting to see faces I have not seen for a long time. This is the time to tell ourselves the truth, and seeing you here shows that I am supported.

“This is time for the All Progressives Congress in Edo Central Senatorial District to remain united and committed to securing victory for the party in the 2027 general elections,” the governor said.

Okpebholo expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would enjoy substantial support from Edo State during the next presidential election, citing what he described as the positive impact of the administration’s policies and development initiatives.

He specifically commended the Federal Government for ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, highlighting the rehabilitation of the Ekpoma-Ehor road as a transformative intervention that has improved transportation and stimulated economic activities within the region.

The governor also defended the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu administration, describing it as a difficult but necessary reform designed to redirect national resources towards development priorities.

As a secondary highlight, Okpebholo assured transport operators in the district of continued government support and encouraged them to actively participate in efforts to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

During his engagement with members of EWARHA, the governor disclosed that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is expected to visit Edo State soon as part of programmes aimed at empowering women through business support initiatives and access to financial assistance.

The planned intervention, he said, would help improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for women across the state.

Also speaking at the meeting, the APC Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, urged party members to remain steadfast in their support for the administration and work collectively towards victory in both the forthcoming local government elections and the 2027 general elections.

Aigboboh noted that maintaining political leadership was essential to sustaining ongoing development programmes and ensuring continuity in governance.

The stakeholder meetings form part of broader efforts by the Edo APC to consolidate support across key constituencies following the party’s recent electoral gains in the state.

Political observers view the engagements as an early mobilisation drive aimed at strengthening grassroots structures, fostering reconciliation among party members and building momentum ahead of future electoral contests.

With preparations already gathering pace for the local government elections and the 2027 campaign season, party leaders say unity and sustained grassroots engagement will remain central to the APC’s strategy in Edo State.