By John Mayaki
Politically, the stakes are high in the South-South region and one man is already stepping up as the region’s most formidable force in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and that man is the governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
As the lone APC governor in the region, Okpebholo is not just holding the fort; he is expanding it, building alliances, mobilizing grassroots support, and positioning the South-South as a stronghold for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Okpebholo has made efforts to team up with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory and former governor of River State, Nyesom Wike, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was also a former governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Mr. James Ibori, also a former governor of Delta state and recently he was in Bayelsa State where he was the Chairman of the annual Ayakoro Festival (Eyal Obeyin), hosted by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
The governor recognizes the strategic importance of his position, and as such, he has taken it upon himself to go beyond Edo’s borders, making sure that the APC is not an isolated minority in the region. His approach is clear – lead from the front, engage all stakeholders, and make the case for continuity in governance under Tinubu.
If there were any doubts about Okpebholo’s commitment to this mission, his recent actions have put them to rest. Yesterday, he all but launched Tinubu’s 2027 campaign when he led a high-powered delegation to flag off the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Expressway project. The event was more than just an infrastructure milestone – it was a political carnival of some sorts.
Flanked by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Also present were political heavyweights like Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. And there, with these heavyweights, Okpebholo set the tone for what is to come.
The crowd, many of whom donned fez caps with Tinubu’s image and “2027” boldly emblazoned, listened as Okpebholo made a resounding declaration. He said, “All the local governments in Edo State will be delivered for Mr. President come 2027. But beyond that, we will also bring the entire South-South into the fold”.
He added saying, “The good things happening in Lagos are happening here in Edo and across the Niger Delta. This administration is focused on development, and we must support it to ensure continuity,” he told the gathering.
This wasn’t the first time he had pledged his loyalty to the President’s re-election bid, but it was a defining moment – a clear indication that he is willing to lead the charge. When he received decampees from the PDP in Edo state last week, he also made the point about Mr. President’s re-election.
Okpebholo’s support for Tinubu isn’t just about promises; it’s about action. Unlike some South-South governors who want to keep the region in the opposition, Okpebholo is determined to brong the region into mainstream politics and he is unwavering about that.
When some governors from the region opposed the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State, Okpebholo was the first to distance himself from their position. He made it clear that Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, understood the complexities of the crisis and took the necessary steps to prevent instability.
Hear him, “What Mr. President did in Rivers State is in the best interest of this nation. When crude oil pipelines were being blown up by militants, what did Nigerians expect him to do? Sit back and watch the economy collapse? No. Leadership demands tough decisions, and Mr. President took the right step to ensure peace and stability,” Okpebholo declared.
His words weren’t just a defense of Tinubu’s actions, they were a direct rebuke to those, like former President Goodluck Jonathan, who criticized the decision.
He said, “The man criticizing President Tinubu today was in power when intelligence reports warned about the Chibok kidnappings in 2014. What did he do? Nothing. That’s the difference between leadership and hesitation. Tinubu acted to save Nigeria’s economy; Jonathan watched as crises unfolded,” he added.
Beyond politics, Okpebholo also mentioned a stark economic contrast. He said, under Jonathan, Nigeria’s annual budget hovered around N1.6 trillion. Today, under Tinubu, that same amount is being disbursed monthly from the Federation Account. He said this is a testament to President Tinubu’s sound economic leadership.
Okpebholo’s advocacy for Tinubu goes beyond party politics. He has made it clear that the President’s development agenda for the Niger Delta is a game-changer. Over the weekend, while chairing the annual Ayakoro Festival (Eyal Obeyin) in Bayelsa State, he reinforced the administration’s commitment to transforming the region.
At the festival, Okpebholo didn’t just talk politics; he stressed on the need to preserve the region’s cultural heritage as a tool for unity and progress. His presence there underscored his growing influence, not just as a politician but as a statesman connecting governance with the people.
There is no doubt that Okpebholo is proving to be more than just a governor: he is emerging as the South-South’s political anchor in collaboration with others, for APC and a strategic ally for President Tinubu. While others remain hesitant in their opposition party, he is taking bold steps to secure the region’s political future under the ruling party.
With the politics of 2027 ahead, it is certain that Okpebholo would not just be preparing for the fight; he would be leading it both from home and abroad. His message is clear: the South-South must stand with Tinubu, and under his leadership, it will.
