Why Obi won Edo in 2023 — Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said the victory of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election in the state was due to the failure of the previous administration, insisting that the former Labour Party candidate lacks the capacity to win the state in 2027.

Speaking on Channel Television’s  Politics Today on Thursday, Okpebholo also reaffirmed his earlier pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election.

He argued that growing public support for the president and the ruling All Progressives Congress would translate into electoral gains in Edo State.

“Peter Obi defeated (Tinubu) last time because the governor was not working. The governor then was not working,” he said, attributing the 2023 outcome to what he described as governance failure at the time.

Okpebholo further dismissed concerns about the feasibility of his 2.5 million vote projection, maintaining that support for Tinubu was evident among residents.

“You were on the street. Nobody told them we were coming. People were leaving their houses. And that is the vote. That’s how the vote is going to translate,” he said.

The governor also questioned Obi’s political strength ahead of the next electoral cycle, suggesting that the opposition figure may struggle to secure support even in his home base.

“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?” he said.

On governance, Okpebholo linked his confidence to ongoing projects in the state, which he said were being supported by federal allocations.

“Because of the work we are doing, because of the money Tinubu is releasing to us to work for him and that is what you are seeing on the street,” he said, adding that “It has never happened in Edo State like this before.”

The governor also addressed concerns over remarks made following Obi’s recent visit to the state, saying his comments were intended to ensure the former presidential candidate’s safety.

“I only told Obi last time; I said, ‘Please, whenever you are coming… let me know so that I will provide you with security.’ Where did I go wrong? I’m trying to protect him,” he said.

He added that, as a public figure, Obi required adequate protection, noting that prior notice would enable coordination with security agencies.

Okpebholo further defended the administration of President Tinubu, citing policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy as evidence of leadership.

“Did you know there are so many tough decisions taken by this president that no man has been able to take in this country… Let’s talk about the removal of the fuel subsidy. Who could have the courage to do that?” he said.

The comments come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties positioning and consolidating support. Okpebholo had earlier received defectors from multiple parties into the APC, pledging to deliver significant votes for Tinubu.

The development underscores intensifying political competition in Edo State and highlights the role of state-level performance and party alignment in shaping electoral outcomes ahead of 2027.