Okpebholo urges South-South to deliver unity votes for Tinubu in 2027

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on the people of the South-South region to speak with one voice and mobilise massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The governor made the appeal at Government House, Benin City, while receiving the leadership of the Union of Tippers, Suppliers and Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTSQEN), who were on a courtesy visit.

Governor Okpebholo said the president’s removal of fuel subsidy, though a difficult decision, has put more money in the hands of state governors to fund development projects.

“Subsidy was a cancerous worm eating deeper into the nation, and its removal has brought relief,” he said.

He credited the Tinubu administration with supporting Edo State’s infrastructure drive, particularly road construction and rehabilitation, noting that many roads in the state are now motorable. He said his administration used concrete pavement on the Sapele Road, a costly approach that will last longer.

“It is an expensive venture, but it is very durable. If the previous administration had taken the steps we are taking now to fix deplorable roads in the state, I don’t think we would be crying over bad roads today.”

Okpebholo urged voters to give the president a second term so that he can build on his reforms across all sectors of the economy.

“Tinubu is the man to vote for in 2027. The North has done its eight years, and it is the turn of the South to do its eight years. There is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

“We in the South-South should mobilise and ensure unity votes for the President. I want us to speak with a loud voice and in unity. Let us reason together and bring out unity votes for President Tinubu,” Okpebholo said.

Earlier, the UTSQEN National Chairman, Mr Wilson Ogbachi, commended the governor for his performance in office and urged him to stay focused.

Ogbachi said the union came to formally invite Okpebholo to its national delegates’ conference as a special guest of honour. According to him, the conference is held every four years, and this is the first time Edo State will host it.

“We are grateful for your efforts and achievements in the area of security, because security is the bedrock of development, and investors take it very seriously,” he said.