Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the people of Edo will deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing it as a gesture of appreciation for the development seen under the current administration.

“In 2027, we will repay President Tinubu’s love for Edo with 2.5 million votes. The people have shown through their actions that Edo is APC, and the APC is driving our progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Okpebholo said.

However, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the governor’s remarks as laughable and an insult to the intelligence of Edo residents.

In a statement issued Monday by the committee’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP described the pledge as unrealistic and desperate.

“We were stunned by Senator Monday Okpebholo’s ridiculous claim that he will secure 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027. This is coming from someone who struggled to gather 300,000 votes in a governorship poll, despite massive military presence and support from APC governors, the Senate President, and members of the NEC,” the statement read.

The PDP accused the governor of making exaggerated promises to impress his political allies in Abuja.

“It’s absurd to claim he can deliver nearly all of Edo’s registered voters. This reeks of desperation and sycophancy, aimed at justifying what many view as an upcoming electoral farce in September 2024,” the party said.

The PDP also expressed concern that Okpebholo is more focused on political showmanship than addressing pressing issues like insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship plaguing the state.

“We believe President Tinubu, as an experienced politician, will not be deceived by such inflated claims,” the statement added.

Okpebholo had made his remarks on Sunday at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central LGA, while welcoming thousands of former PDP members who defected to the APC. He described the APC in Edo as an open platform committed to progress and inclusive governance.

Commending the defectors, he said their move was proof of PDP’s diminishing influence, especially in Esan Central, his home constituency.

“This mass defection marks the end of PDP’s relevance in this area,” he stated.

Okpebholo emphasized that the new members joined voluntarily after witnessing the visible results of his administration, calling it a clear endorsement of his leadership.

He also acknowledged the return of several key political figures to the APC, including former Edo APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, and welcomed members of the state House of Assembly, ex-council chairmen, and other former PDP leaders.

The governor promised to remain committed to good governance. “I will not disappoint you. I will continue to work for Edo’s growth and development,” he pledged.

Also speaking, APC leader in Edo Central, Maj Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), assured the new members that the party would treat everyone equally.

“Join us in this peaceful and purposeful movement to move Edo forward,” he urged.

Among dignitaries at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; and acting APC Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh.