Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock, warning those he accused of sponsoring insecurity in Nigeria to desist and allow the Federal Government to focus on governance. He made the remarks during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for local government council elections in Edo South Senatorial District. The governor said the current security challenges are politically driven and insisted there is no vacancy in Aso Rock ahead of future elections.
The comments were made on Tuesday in Benin City during a political event where the APC officially flagged off its campaign activities for the upcoming local government council elections in Edo State.
The governor used the platform to address rising insecurity concerns in the country, linking them to political opposition activities while reaffirming his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The event also featured party leaders and candidates contesting various positions under the APC platform.
Governor Okpebholo alleged that insecurity in parts of the country had been deliberately orchestrated to undermine the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He warned political actors against actions that could destabilise governance, stating that electoral ambitions would not be achieved through violence or unrest.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.
“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.
The governor stressed that insecurity would not translate into political advantage for any group, insisting that governance requires stability and peace.
He further maintained that the President has performed better than his predecessors, citing ongoing development projects across Edo State as evidence of federal impact, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Okpebholo also commended APC candidates who emerged through the party’s primary elections, describing their selection as a step toward delivering electoral victories in future polls. He stated that their success at the polls would support the party’s broader political goal of securing 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe described the party as the most viable political platform in the state.
He urged candidates to take the message of the governor’s development agenda to grassroots communities across local government areas and ensure its replication at all levels. According to party leaders, mobilisation efforts are ongoing to strengthen the APC’s electoral base ahead of upcoming council polls.
The highlight of the event was the official unveiling of APC candidates for Edo South Senatorial District by Governor Okpebholo. The list includes Ogbeide Ihama for the Senate, Dr Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, among others.
The unveiling marked the formal commencement of campaign activities for the party in the district ahead of the local government elections.
The governor’s comments reflect heightened political rhetoric ahead of future electoral cycles, particularly as parties intensify mobilisation at both state and national levels. His remarks also highlight growing concerns about insecurity and its intersection with political discourse in Nigeria.
Analysts note that such statements may further intensify political debates around governance, security, and electoral competition as preparations for upcoming elections continue.
