2027 Elections Defining Year for Nigeria’s Growth and Development — Okpebholo

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the 2027 general elections as a defining moment for Nigeria, urging citizens to make choices that will sustain the country’s ongoing drive towards growth, development and economic transformation.

The governor made the assertion while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s mobilisation campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Akoko-Edo and Etsako West Local Government Areas of Edo State.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, and made available on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Governor Okpebholo said the 2027 elections would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to consolidate the progress recorded under the Tinubu administration.

The governor, who visited Azane Model Primary School in Ibillo and Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo, also addressed APC supporters at the Auchi Township Stadium and Azama Primary School, Ikpe-Uzairue, in Etsako West.

“2027 is a defining year for Nigeria’s growth and development. This is the year we are voting for our president, Senators, House of Representatives members and House of Assembly members to finish the good work our president commenced,” Okpebholo said.

He commended President Tinubu for the courage to implement economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the measure as a major step towards addressing longstanding economic challenges and repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth.

Okpebholo assured the people of Edo State that his administration would sustain its infrastructure development programme across the three senatorial districts, stressing that his government remained committed to delivering practical and people-oriented governance.

Responding to requests from residents of Akoko-Edo, the governor promised swift intervention on the provision of a step-down transformer and the rehabilitation of the area’s water board.

He directed the relevant ministry to assess the condition of the water board and make recommendations towards restoring its operations, assuring residents that his administration would work to address the water challenges confronting the area.

The governor also pledged to rehabilitate the bridge linking Ibillo, which he observed had been severely damaged by flooding. He said an expert would be deployed to assess and fix the facility to restore safe and motorable access.

Speaking during the mobilisation exercise, Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as significant progress in restoring security across the state.

Idahosa noted that the administration had intensified efforts against cult-related killings, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, adding that the improved security situation was restoring confidence among residents.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also commended President Tinubu for his courage and determination in implementing what he described as fundamental reforms aimed at repositioning the country.

Oshiomhole called for continuity, urging APC members and supporters to mobilise support for the President’s re-election to enable his administration to consolidate and complete its development agenda.

Similarly, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, urged residents of Akoko-Edo and Etsako West to massively support President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Tenebe said a strong electoral mandate would also strengthen Edo State’s position in its quest for the creation of additional local government areas, stressing that effective collaboration among the governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly would be crucial to achieving the objective.

He further urged party members to work collectively towards achieving the 2.5 million votes pledged by the Edo APC for President Tinubu.

The APC mobilisation campaign has so far covered 11 of Edo State’s 18 local government areas, including Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Owan East, Owan West, Akoko-Edo and Etsako West.