BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that opposition figures are deliberately sponsoring the recent surge in insecurity across Nigeria. According to him, the uptick in violence is a coordinated attempt to tarnish the image of President Bola Tinubu's administration and distract it from its governance goals.
Speaking during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the local government council elections in Edo South Senatorial District, Governor Okpebholo dismissed the opposition's tactics as a failed political strategy.
‘No Vacancy in Aso Rock’
Addressing the crowd, Okpebholo emphasized that the wave of insecurity would not alter the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. He insisted that those orchestrating the chaos would reap no political benefits.
"There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition. They can even kidnap all of us—there is no vacancy in Aso Rock," Okpebholo stated.
The Governor questioned the logic of using violence against citizens to secure power, warning that continued instability only undermines the fabric of governance.
"They have 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," he added.
Defending the Tinubu Administration
Despite the security challenges, Governor Okpebholo praised President Tinubu's performance, arguing that the current administration has made a more significant impact than its predecessors.
He specifically highlighted ongoing developmental projects and pointed to the positive local effects of the petrol subsidy removal as evidence of progress within Edo State.
