APC Set to Reclaim Edo in 2027, Okpebholo Declares

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a bold political forecast, asserting that the opposition landscape in the state will completely diminish well before the 2027 general elections, with all rival parties eventually gravitating towards the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Okpebholo made this confident declaration on Saturday, August 2, 2025, during the flag-off of the APC’s campaign for the impending August 16 by-election in the Edo Central Senatorial District, held in Uromi. He framed the upcoming by-election as a critical litmus test, signaling the imminent “non-existence” of opposition forces in the state.

“This is a test for 2027. I can tell you that 2027 is sure. Before 2027, there will be no opposition in Edo State anymore as all will join the APC because of the developmental achievements in the state,” Governor Okpebholo stated to an enthusiastic crowd. He expressed conviction that the tangible progress witnessed under his administration would naturally draw political opponents into the APC fold.

The Governor outlined ambitious targets for the senatorial by-election, predicting a clean sweep: “In this election, we will win five local governments out of five. We must win the entire 51 wards in the five local governments that make up the senatorial district.” He humorously advised opposition candidates not to “waste their money” but to join the APC, even suggesting supporters accept funds from other parties but vote for the APC, deeming it “our money.”

The campaign flag-off also served as a platform for significant defections, as Governor Okpebholo, alongside the Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, officially welcomed prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Among the notable defectors were Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, and Robert Okoneme, accompanied by other leaders from across the 51 wards.

Jarrett Tenebe, the Edo APC Chairman, assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party, emphasizing unity and shared vision. “We are one family. The same honour and expectations accorded to long-standing members are equally extended to you. The coming of new members into the party is a reinforcement of what we stand for,” Tenebe affirmed.

Echoing the Governor’s sentiments, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa urged the people of Esan to rally behind Okpebholo, crediting the state’s recent developmental strides to the Governor’s strong relationship with President Bola Tinubu. Idahosa stated that the by-election served as a preliminary opportunity to demonstrate appreciation for both the Governor and the President, confidently asserting, “We would not accept anything less than a 90 per cent victory in the election.”

The event culminated with Tenebe presenting the party’s flag to Joseph Ikpea, the APC candidate for the senatorial by-election, urging him to build upon the legacy established by Governor Okpebholo in the Senate. Other key party leaders, including the Director General of the Edo Senatorial by-election, Victor Edoror, and APC Edo South leader, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, called for extensive door-to-door campaigns to secure a decisive victory for the APC candidate.