Edo Governor Okpebholo Pledges Resignation if Tinubu Loses in 2027 Presidential Polls

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has made a striking declaration, stating that he would be willing to resign from office if President Bola Tinubu fails to secure victory in the state during the 2027 presidential election. The governor emphasised that the All Progressives Congress (APC) now dominates Edo’s political terrain, leaving the party with “no real opposition” as the general elections approach.

Speaking on the political landscape in the state, Okpebholo attributed the APC’s growing influence to both his early governance initiatives and President Tinubu’s increasing popularity. He pointed to recent bye-election results in Esan as tangible evidence of the party’s strengthened foothold. According to him, Edo residents “will thank Asiwaju with their votes.”

The governor stated, “Asiwaju is even more popular than me here now because Edo people already know that what I’m doing is because of Asiwaju’s impact. You will see the kind of result that will come out from here because there’s no opposition in Edo. Did you see the bye-election? We’ve never produced the kind of results we produced in Esan. The Esan and Edo people have not even told Asiwaju thank you, and how will they? It’s going to be the votes. Everybody is for Asiwaju. The people will thank him with their votes. If he does not win, I’d resign.”

Observers noted that Governor Okpebholo’s remarks underscore the APC’s strategic consolidation in Edo State, highlighting both party loyalty and the impact of early governance on voter perception. Analysts believe that such a declaration also signals a high-stakes political commitment aimed at energising grassroots support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Akahi News gathered that political stakeholders in Edo State have closely watched the APC’s recent victories, suggesting that the party is increasingly confident of its prospects in the upcoming polls. The Esan bye-election results, widely discussed in political circles, have reportedly reinforced the perception that opposition parties are struggling to mount significant challenges in the state.

Political analysts also point out that while the governor’s pledge is bold, it raises questions about the implications for governance should the unlikely scenario of a Tinubu defeat occur. This statement may now become a focal point for opposition campaigns, who may scrutinise both APC’s political strategies and the governor’s performance.

Governor Okpebholo’s comments highlight the interplay between local governance initiatives and national political popularity, reflecting how regional politics often mirrors national political momentum. As Edo State prepares for future elections, the APC appears firmly positioned to capitalise on the perceived momentum and popular appeal of its national leader.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org