Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has predicted a significant wave of defections from opposition political parties in the South-South region as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
He made this statement on Saturday during a special reception held in Ewatto, located in the Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, following his recent victory at the election petition tribunal.
Expressing his gratitude to the people of Edo for their unwavering support and prayers, Okpebholo acknowledged their trust in his leadership and assured them that Edo State would experience continued progress and development under his administration. “The people of Edo State will not regret voting me as their Governor. I am happy today that I am in a winning party. A party that was rejected by all and now has become the party that everybody wants to join. APC has come to stay as the government at the center is APC,” he said.
The Governor further emphasized that defections into the All Progressives Congress were imminent. “Very soon, there will be a lot of defections into the APC. People will move and cross carpet from PDP, LP, and other opposition parties into the APC, and that will be the beginning of South-South keying into the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Okpebholo stated.
He also expressed pride in his relationship with President Tinubu, saying, “Today, I am happy and proud to say that I am a son to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am also proud to say I carry uncommon grace and uncommon transformation, which I am already using to transform and develop Edo State.”
Highlighting his administration’s progress, Okpebholo mentioned the development of motorable roads to reduce travel time for citizens. “Words that come out of my mouth are prophetic, and I am using these words to develop Edo State. My administration is working to ensure motorable roads and reducing traveling time for our people,” he said.
Okpebholo concluded by stressing the importance of regional unity in the South-South as the 2027 election approaches, stating, “Our development is also covering other neighboring States because South-South must speak with one voice as we approach 2027.”
The statement was made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
