Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed confidence that the state will deliver about 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential election, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and the growing influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Okpebholo recently reiterated the projection while inviting prominent television anchors Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati of Arise Television to visit Edo State and inspect ongoing government projects.
According to the governor, the scale of development across the state would speak for itself.
“I want to use this opportunity to invite Oseni Rufai and Reuben Abati of Arise Television. I will also personally write them a letter. By the time they spend two days in Edo State, they will vote for Asiwaju,” Okpebholo said.
He added that he would personally take the journalists on a tour of key project sites across the state.
“I will drive them myself and take them from one project to another. Two days, and even one week, will not be enough to take them around all the projects,” he said.
Across the state, several infrastructure projects are currently underway, including road construction and urban development initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activities.
Among the projects cited are the Ramat Park Flyover, the Sapele Road Flyover, and road developments linking communities such as Eguaholor, Ewatto, Udo, and the Usenu–Irrua–Illeh–Ukhun Road corridor connecting communities in Esan Central and Esan West.
The Temboga–Ekiuwa Road project in Benin City is also among the major developments expected to improve mobility and economic activity within the state.
In addition, the state government recently commissioned and distributed 54 construction machines to local government areas to support grassroots infrastructure development.
Observers say such projects are gradually transforming both urban and rural communities by reducing travel time, improving access to markets, and stimulating local economic growth.
Beyond infrastructure, analysts also point to the strengthening political structure of the APC in Edo as a factor that could influence electoral outcomes ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The ruling party currently holds significant positions across the state’s political structure, including representation in legislative offices and key government appointments, strengthening its grassroots mobilisation capacity.
Meanwhile, opposition parties in the state have been grappling with internal challenges. The Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party (Nigeria), and African Democratic Congress have all faced internal divisions that political observers say have weakened their organisational strength in the state.
With ongoing development projects and the ruling party’s expanding structure, Okpebholo believes Edo could emerge as a key political stronghold for the APC ahead of the next general election.
According to him, visible governance combined with strong political mobilisation could ultimately translate into significant electoral support for President Tinubu.
