Edo ready to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu – Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that Edo State is prepared to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing the massive turnout recorded during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in the state.

Okpebholo made the declaration on Saturday shortly after participating in the APC presidential primary election held at Udomi Primary School in Ward 2, Esan Central Local Government Area, his home ward.

The exercise, conducted under the Option A4 voting system approved by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), witnessed a large turnout of party members and supporters.

The governor described the peaceful conduct of the primary and the enthusiasm displayed by voters as a strong indication of growing support for President Tinubu and the APC across Edo State.

“Today’s primary was peaceful, and you could see the happiness on the faces of our people as they came out in large numbers to vote for Mr. President,” Okpebholo said.

“They voted overwhelmingly for him, and this is exactly what is happening across Edo State. It is a clear pointer to what the 2027 general election will look like in the state.”

Expressing confidence in the party’s strength ahead of the next general election, the governor insisted that Edo remained firmly under the control of the APC.

“We are ready for the 2027 general election, and we are ready to deliver Edo State to President Tinubu. Two point five million votes are possible. Some people may doubt it, but it is achievable and already settled in Edo State,” he stated.

Okpebholo attributed the increasing support for the APC to ongoing development projects being executed by both the state and federal governments.

According to him, investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and rural development were strengthening grassroots confidence in the party.

“The people understand the connection between what we are doing in Edo State and the national agenda,” he said.

“When they see roads being constructed, schools being improved and communities receiving development projects, they see a government that is working for them.”

Meanwhile, the Returning Officer for the presidential primary in Ward 2, Esan Central Local Government Area, Favour Ehimegbe, confirmed that the exercise was conducted in line with APC guidelines.

He explained that party members were accredited using their APC membership cards before voting under the Option A4 system.

Ehimegbe announced that President Tinubu secured 360 votes to emerge winner of the presidential primary in the ward.

He added that the Option A4 system enhanced transparency and credibility, as voting and counting were conducted openly in the presence of party members and observers.