A coalition of top stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Edo State and the wider South-South region gathered in Benin City over the weekend to declare unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his second-term bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The high-powered meeting, which drew governors, ministers, federal lawmakers, and party chieftains, served as a platform to reaffirm confidence in the President’s leadership and reform agenda, which they said is laying the foundation for sustainable development across the nation.
In a strong show of unity, the stakeholders commended Tinubu for his bold economic reforms and people-centered policies, including the student loan initiative and tax exemption for low-income earners, which they described as indicators of genuine concern for ordinary Nigerians.
The event featured remarks from prominent APC figures, including Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, who represented the Progressive Governors’ Forum; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Niger Delta Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (Edo South); and General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) representing Edo Central.
Other notable attendees included former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor; APC National Woman Leader, Mary Idele Alile; and Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe.
In his keynote address, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State described President Tinubu as a “capacity working president” whose leadership has empowered states to function effectively. He cited the ongoing construction of roads across 10 communities in Uhunmwonde previously abandoned for years as proof of the administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
“This is the first time we are witnessing true unity among governors, standing together in support of national progress,” Governor Okpebholo stated. “President Tinubu has made it easy to work; his policies make hard things look simple.”
He pledged to deliver 2.5 million votes for the APC in Edo come 2027, declared that the outcome of the next election is already sealed in Tinubu’s favour. “2027 is settled,” he asserted confidently.
Okpebholo also praised the President for his courage in the face of adversity during the 2023 elections, recounting how economic sabotage and fuel scarcity were used to frustrate his campaign. “Yet, he triumphed because he is a man of destiny,” the governor said.
The forum concluded with a collective vote of confidence in both President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo, as stakeholders vowed to consolidate the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda across the South-South region.
