Tinubu Meets Edo Governor-Elect Okpebholo, Urges Focus on State Development(Photos)
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has urged Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritize development in the state, assuring him of full support from the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
The President made this call on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, where the governor-elect and his deputy, Rep. Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return. Tinubu emphasized the need for good governance and delivering tangible results for the people of Edo State.
“Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of democracy, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, and congratulated Okpebholo and Idahosa, describing them as symbols of unity and understanding in politics.
“You started as rivals and ended up as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics; the man at our party’s helm has been through it before. In Kano, he was a front runner, became a second runner, and became a deputy before he eventually became a governor,” the President remarked.
Tinubu also commended the efforts of former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the progressive governors, and the APC leadership in securing victory in Edo.
“I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy. The governors showed up in Edo, they impressed me. They defended the party. They worked hard for the party,” he said.
The President praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful election, noting the absence of violence or disturbances.
“I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riot; people voted and went back to their houses in peace, and the fears dissipated instantly,” Tinubu added.
He further urged the APC leadership and members to remain united and focused on achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, dismissing opposition criticism and emphasizing the importance of local politics.
“When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local,’ you must respect that notion,” Tinubu said.
The President also humorously referenced the heavy rainfall on Election Day, highlighting the electorate’s determination to vote, even in adverse weather conditions.
In his remarks, APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Ganduje, praised the commitment of voters who braved the rain to cast their ballots without umbrellas, a symbolic rejection of opposition claims.
The APC’s next target, Ganduje noted, is to secure victories in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Anambra states as part of a broader strategy to increase the party’s presence in the Southeast.
“Having only two states in the Southeast as APC is too small for us. We need more states from the Southeast geo-political zone,” Ganduje concluded.
The meeting highlighted the APC’s commitment to further entrenching its influence across Nigeria, with Edo State’s victory seen as a key stepping stone in that effort.
