By Onilede Titi Faith
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed Governor Monday Okpebholo for his pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, describing it as “comical sycophancy and an insult to Edo people.”
Governor Okpebholo made the pledge at a political rally in Irrua while welcoming a group of PDP defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that “Edo is APC, and APC is the vehicle of our development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In a swift reaction, PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, dismissed the governor’s statement as absurd and out of touch with electoral realities, citing that Okpebholo himself polled just over 291,000 votes in the last election.
“It is laughable and insulting to suggest that a state with just over 2.5 million registered voters will deliver 2.5 million votes to Tinubu. This is pure political theatre aimed at pleasing Abuja, not solving Edo’s problems,” Nehikhare said.
The PDP accused Okpebholo of prioritizing propaganda over governance, stating that the state continues to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and decaying infrastructure while the governor engages in political showmanship.
They also reiterated concerns over the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s election, which they claim was marred by irregularities and military interference and is still being challenged in court.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo defended his remarks, pointing to the recent defections to the APC as proof of the party’s growing strength and inclusivity in Edo.
He maintained that under his leadership, the state is aligning with President Tinubu’s vision and the APC remains firmly in control.
