A festive political gathering unfolded in Benin City on Wednesday as Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, stood before a large crowd of party faithful and new political converts, declaring that the state is firmly aligned with the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally, held at the Garrick Memorial Ground along Ekenwan Road, drew members and leaders from several opposition parties, including the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP), many of whom formally joined the APC in a show of shifting political loyalties. Amid cheers, music, and a carnival-like atmosphere, the decampees pledged support for the ruling party and its leadership.
Governor Okpebholo welcomed the newcomers warmly, praising the unity within the APC and describing the moment as evidence that the party’s message and performance were resonating widely across the state. He told supporters that the party’s growing strength reflects public confidence in the administration’s work and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking with visible confidence, the governor assured the gathering that Edo would stand firmly behind the president when the next election cycle arrives. According to him, the level of support building across communities makes it clear that the state is ready to produce an overwhelming vote for Tinubu in 2027.
He attributed the APC’s expanding support base to what he described as practical governance and visible development projects across Edo State. Okpebholo argued that residents are witnessing tangible improvements and understand the role of federal backing in making those projects possible.
In a moment that stirred laughter and applause from the crowd, the governor extended a public invitation to television anchors Oseni Rufai and Reuben Abati of Arise Television to visit Edo State and personally inspect projects carried out under his administration. Okpebholo said he was confident that a tour of the state would speak louder than any political debate.
Supporters at the rally waved party flags and chanted slogans as new members were welcomed into the APC fold, a development the governor said reflects broader political realignments happening across the country.
Okpebholo also pointed to the ruling party’s growing national presence, noting that the APC currently controls the majority of governorship seats across Nigeria. With momentum building and alliances shifting, he expressed optimism that the party’s influence would continue to expand ahead of the next national elections.
As the event wound down, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the party and the presidency, declaring that Edo State remains politically secure for the APC as it moves toward the 2027 contest.
