Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has downplayed the political strength of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying the ex-Anambra governor cannot secure votes even in his home state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Thursday, Okpebholo said the political conditions that shaped the 2023 elections would not happen again, insisting that the landscape has changed.
Okpebholo questioned Obi’s influence in Anambra State, suggesting it does not translate into strong electoral control.
“What should I be afraid of them when I’m doing what the people want? Look at him in his state. Can he even deliver his state?” the governor said.
He added that Edo State now has a “working governor” who enjoys public support, making it difficult for opposition forces to gain ground.
The governor also addressed reactions to his earlier comments following Peter Obi’s visit to Edo State, which reportedly faced challenges.
Okpebholo explained that his intention was to ensure Obi’s safety, not to restrict him.
“I only told Obi… whenever you are coming, let me know so that I will provide you with security… I’m trying to protect him,” he said.
He stressed that as a high-profile political figure, Obi requires proper security coordination, which the state government can facilitate.
On national politics, Okpebholo strongly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as the most popular political figure in Nigeria at the moment.
He linked recent defections of governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to what he described as the president’s performance.
“If the president is not doing well, I don’t think all those governors will move to the APC… Nobody told them to come. They decided to come,” he said.
The governor also defended key economic policies of the Tinubu administration, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, which has significantly impacted living costs across Nigeria.
According to him, such decisions required political courage that previous administrations lacked.
“There are tough decisions taken by this president… Let’s talk about the removal of the fuel subsidy. Who could have the courage to do that?” he said.
Reacting to concerns raised by opposition figures over economic hardship and insecurity, Okpebholo dismissed the criticisms.
He suggested that some critics are unwilling to acknowledge progress because they are not in power.
“These people… believe that if they are not the ones doing it, then nobody is doing it right,” he said.Okpebholo expressed confidence in the current administration’s direction, maintaining that President Tinubu is on course to secure a second term in 2027.
He pointed to what he described as growing support across states as a key indicator.