Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused opposition elements of allegedly sponsoring insecurity in Nigeria for political advantage, warning that such actions would not yield electoral gains.
Okpebholo made the allegation on Tuesday in Benin City during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for local government council elections in the Edo South Senatorial District.
He claimed that the recent rise in insecurity across the country was being deliberately orchestrated to discredit the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, those behind the alleged destabilisation efforts were wasting their time, insisting that political violence and unrest would not translate into electoral success.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition,” the governor said.
Okpebholo further argued that insecurity would not benefit any political group, stressing that governance becomes impossible in a climate of widespread fear and violence.
“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” he added.
The governor also maintained that President Tinubu had recorded more achievements than his predecessors, particularly pointing to the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had begun to reflect in ongoing development projects across Edo State.
He commended candidates who emerged from the party’s primaries ahead of the forthcoming local government elections, expressing confidence in their ability to secure victory for the APC.
Okpebholo added that their success at the polls would contribute to the party’s broader goal of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking at the event, Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe described the party as the only viable political structure in the state.
He urged candidates to take the message of the governor’s developmental efforts to grassroots communities and ensure strong performance in their respective local government areas.
VANGUARD