Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged that the Edo people will deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

This, he said, would be a token of appreciation for the developmental strides witnessed across the state under his administration.

?In 2027, we will reward President Tinubu?s love for Edo with 2.5 million votes. The people have spoken through their actions. Edo is APC, and APC is the vehicle of our development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,? he declared.

The state caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, described Okpebholo?s claim as absurd and comical.

A statement on Monday by the Publicity Secretary of the committee, Chris Nehikhare, said the statement credited to the governor was an outright insult to the intelligence of the Edo people.

?We read with astonishment the laughable and utterly unrealistic statement credited to Senator Monday Okpebholo, where he promised to deliver 2.5 million votes from Edo State to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.

?Coming from a man who could barely manage 300,000 votes for himself in a governorship election that was marred by heavy militarisation and backed by the full weight of all APC governors, the Senate President and members of National Executive Council, among others, the statement is not only comical but an outright insult to the intelligence of Edo people,? the statement said.

He said the claim reeked of desperation and sycophancy, in a bid to please his Abuja benefactors.

?Now, with a straight face, he wants Nigerians to believe he can mobilise 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027?just about the entire number of registered voters across all 18 local government areas in the state.

?Such a claim is not only absurd but reeks of desperation and sycophancy, clearly aimed at pleasing his Abuja benefactors in a bid to legitimise the September 2024 electoral charade.

?It is deeply troubling that while Edo people are grappling with growing insecurity as a direct result of lack of leadership, with hunger and economic hardship ravaging homes daily, Okpebholo?s top priority appears to be seeking applause in Abuja through empty posturing and hollow political promises,? it added.

The PDP stressed that, ?We are confident that President Tinubu, a seasoned political operator, will not be swayed by the noise and exaggerated claims of political opportunists.?

Okpebholo, speaking at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during a political gathering to welcome thousands of defectors from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, said Edo APC remained an open and inclusive platform for all citizens committed to progress.

He said the development of the state required collective input, adding that the party would welcome all new members eager to contribute to its advancement.

?I want to commend the members of the PDP who have made the decision to join our great party, the APC.

?This defection is a testament to the fact that the PDP has lost relevance in Esan Central, my own constituency. Today marks the political end of the PDP in this local government,? he said.

He noted that while efforts had previously been made to persuade many of the defectors to join the APC, they had now come voluntarily, moved by the visible impact of his administration?s developmental agenda.

?Their decision to align with our party is a clear endorsement of our direction and leadership,? he added.

Okpebholo expressed gratitude to key political figures who had returned to the APC fold, including former Edo State APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, describing his return as a boost to the party?s consolidation in the State.

He also welcomed members of the state House of Assembly, former local government chairmen, councillors, and former PDP leaders who had pitched their tents with the APC.

The governor assured the people of his commitment to service, promising not to betray the trust reposed in him. ?I will not fail you. I will continue to work diligently to ensure that Edo enjoys sustained development under my watch,? he stated.

The leader of the APC in Edo Central Senatorial District, Maj Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), assured the new members that the party did not discriminate, but instead offered a level playing field for all.

?Join this movement of peace and purpose. Together, we will move Edo forward,? he said.

Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; acting Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh; among others. (PUNCH)

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