“They Can Even Kidnap All of Us“ — Edo State Gov. Okpebholo Says, Alleges Opposition-Backed Insecurity Plot, Declares “No Vacancy in Aso Rock” Ahead of 2027

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that the recent rise in insecurity across Nigeria is being deliberately orchestrated by political opponents seeking to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the remarks during the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming Local Government Council elections in the Edo South Senatorial District, where party leaders, candidates, and supporters gathered to mobilize support for the ruling party.

Addressing party faithful at the event, Okpebholo insisted that the opposition was behind the growing security challenges being witnessed in parts of the country, arguing that the objective was to tarnish the image of President Tinubu’s administration and create unnecessary distractions for the Federal Government.

In a strongly worded statement, the governor dismissed any notion that insecurity could be used as a political tool to alter the nation’s leadership trajectory, declaring emphatically that President Tinubu’s position remains secure.

“They can even kidnap all of us, yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

Okpebholo maintained that no amount of political scheming or insecurity would earn those behind such actions positions in government, stressing that Nigerians would not be deceived by attempts to destabilize the country for political gains.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.”

The governor further accused opposition elements of failing in their political ambitions and resorting to tactics capable of endangering innocent lives.

“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” Okpebholo said.

Highlighting the achievements of the Tinubu administration, the governor argued that the President has accomplished more for the country than many of his predecessors. He pointed to the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy, noting that the benefits of the reform are becoming increasingly visible through various developmental projects across Edo State and other parts of the country.

Okpebholo also used the occasion to congratulate APC candidates who emerged victorious in the party’s primary elections ahead of the local government polls. He expressed confidence in their ability to secure electoral victories and strengthen the party’s grassroots presence across the state.

According to him, successful outcomes in the council elections would further boost the APC’s momentum and reinforce the party’s commitment to delivering the 2.5 million votes it has pledged to President Tinubu during the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at the event, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the APC as the most formidable and viable political platform in the state. He urged party candidates to take the message of Governor Okpebholo’s developmental achievements to every community across Edo State and ensure that similar progress is replicated at the local government level.

Tenebe charged the candidates to remain focused on grassroots engagement and mobilization, emphasizing the importance of connecting with voters and showcasing the administration’s achievements.

The highpoint of the campaign flag-off was the official unveiling of the APC candidates from Edo South by Governor Okpebholo. Among those presented were Ogbeide Ihama for the Senate, Dr. Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, alongside several other party flagbearers expected to contest key positions in the forthcoming elections.

The event served as a major rallying point for the APC in Edo State, with party leaders expressing optimism about securing victories at the local government level while laying the groundwork for broader political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.