The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has downplayed the political influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that the ex-Anambra governor may not be able to secure victory in his home state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okpebholo made the remarks during a media interview on Thursday, insisting that the political realities that shaped the 2023 elections would not be the same in the next general polls.
He questioned Obi’s electoral strength, saying, “What should I be afraid of them when I’m doing what the people want? Look at him in his state. Can he even deliver his state? What happened in the past cannot happen now, because you have a working governor in Edo State, and people love him.”
The governor also addressed public reactions that followed Obi’s recent visit to Edo State, which reportedly faced some challenges. He explained that his comments were intended to ensure the former presidential candidate’s safety due to security concerns in the state.
“I only told Obi last time; I said, ‘Please, whenever you are coming, because of the hostile environment in this state… when you want to come, let me know so that I will provide you with security.’ Where did I go wrong? I’m trying to protect him,” he said.
According to him, Obi, as a high-profile political figure, requires adequate security arrangements whenever he visits, adding that proper notification to the state government would allow for coordination with security agencies.
On national politics, Okpebholo expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu, describing him as the most popular political figure in Nigeria at present. He also linked recent defections of governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the administration’s performance.
“If the president is not doing well, I don’t think all those governors will move to the APC. Nobody told them to come. They decided to come… we have never had it this good,” he said.
He further defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a courageous decision that previous governments avoided.
“Did you know there are so many tough decisions taken by this president that no man has been able to take in this country that is benefiting Nigeria today? Let’s talk about the removal of the fuel subsidy. Who could have the courage to do that?” he asked.
Responding to criticisms over economic hardship and insecurity, the governor dismissed opposition concerns, accusing critics of refusing to acknowledge progress under the current administration.
“These people believe that if they are not the ones doing it, then nobody is doing it right,” he said.
Okpebholo expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term in office, citing what he described as growing nationwide support for his leadership.
Okpebholo Dismisses Peter Obi’s Political Strength, Backs Tinubu’s Re-election Bid
