BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed strong confidence that voters in the state will overwhelmingly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing ongoing federal interventions and improved cooperation between the national and subnational governments.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, on Thursday night, April 30, the governor declared that the people of Edo are firmly aligned with the president’s re-election bid. According to him, the visible impact of federal support across the state has strengthened public trust and positioned Tinubu favorably among voters.
Okpebholo stated that the administration of President Tinubu has consistently provided financial resources and institutional backing to state governments, enabling them to execute developmental projects and deliver governance more effectively. He argued that these efforts have not gone unnoticed by citizens, who he believes are now more inclined to reward the president with electoral support.
“Everybody in Edo will vote for President Bola Tinubu,” the governor said during the interview. “The people are happy with what they are seeing. The interventions coming from the federal government, working through the states, are making a real difference.”
In a bold projection, Okpebholo asserted that the state could deliver no fewer than 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the next presidential election. He described the anticipated turnout as a reflection of both grassroots mobilization and growing public approval of the administration’s policies.
“The streets of Edo are already showing the support,” he said. “You can see it everywhere. We are talking about at least 2.5 million votes for the president.”
The governor further emphasized that voter turnout in Edo would be significantly high, with residents expected to participate en masse during the election. He attributed this anticipated enthusiasm to the tangible benefits of federal allocations and projects, which he said have empowered the state government to deliver visible improvements.
“Because of the work we are doing, because of the money Tinubu is releasing to us to work for him, that is what you are seeing on the streets,” Okpebholo added, linking governance outcomes directly to electoral support.
His remarks highlight a recurring theme in Nigerian politics, where the relationship between federal resource allocation and state-level performance often shapes voter sentiment. By framing Tinubu’s support for states as a key driver of development, the governor positioned the president’s policies as central to the perceived progress in Edo.
Reflecting on the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in the state, Okpebholo offered an alternative interpretation of the results, which saw Peter Obi of the Labour Party secure victory in Edo. According to the governor, the result was less about Obi’s popularity and more a protest vote against the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Okpebholo argued that widespread dissatisfaction with governance under Obaseki influenced voters to reject the then-ruling party at the state level. He noted that Obaseki, who was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time, faced criticism over his administration’s performance, which in turn affected the presidential vote.
“Peter Obi defeated Tinubu last time because the then governor was not working,” Okpebholo said. “People wanted to express their frustration. It was a way of saying that the governor was not delivering, and they chose to vote differently.”
He further explained that the 2023 election outcome in Edo should be viewed within the broader context of local political dynamics, rather than as a straightforward endorsement of a particular presidential candidate. According to him, voters used the election as an opportunity to send a message about governance at the state level.
“Anybody coming, they decided they would do it the other way around,” he added, suggesting that the electorate’s decision was driven by a desire for change rather than ideological alignment.
The governor’s comments point to the complex interplay between local and national politics in Nigeria, where state-level performance can significantly influence outcomes in federal elections. Analysts note that such dynamics often make electoral predictions challenging, as voter behavior may shift depending on prevailing political and economic conditions.
Okpebholo’s strong endorsement of Tinubu also signals a broader effort by key political figures to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections. While the campaign season is still some distance away, early declarations of loyalty and projections of electoral strength are already shaping the political narrative.
His remarks may also be interpreted as part of a strategy to reinforce the relationship between Edo State and the federal government, highlighting alignment and cooperation as beneficial to development. By emphasizing the role of federal funding in driving projects within the state, the governor underscored the importance of maintaining political synergy between both levels of government.
However, political observers caution that electoral outcomes remain uncertain and are influenced by a wide range of factors, including economic conditions, public perception, and the performance of both state and federal administrations over time. While projections such as the 2.5 million vote estimate signal confidence, they are ultimately subject to the realities of voter turnout and political competition.
As Nigeria gradually approaches another election cycle, statements like Okpebholo’s provide insight into the evolving strategies and expectations of political leaders. For now, the Edo governor’s message is clear: he believes the state is firmly positioned to support President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, driven by what he describes as tangible progress and renewed public confidence.
