Oshiomhole Endorses Okpebholo’s Security Agenda, Seeks Victory for APC in LG Poll

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has endorsed the proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, while also mobilising support for All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the forthcoming local government election.

According to a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Oshiomhole made the remarks at the flag-off of the APC Edo North Senatorial District Local Government Election Campaign held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area. The event was attended by Governor Okpebholo, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, and other party leaders.

Governor Okpebholo said his administration remained committed to improving the lives of Edo people through substantial investments in roads, schools, markets and other critical infrastructure. He attributed the increased resources available to states for development to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and commended the rehabilitation of the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road as a major achievement. He urged party members to mobilise support for APC candidates and work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Oshiomhole said Governor Okpebholo had restored civil liberties in Edo State, adding that only criminals had cause to fear the government. He declared his full support for the governor’s proposal to punish kidnappers and bandits with death by firing squad, stressing that states have the constitutional authority to enact laws on state offences. He also advocated the establishment of state police to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, urged APC candidates to prioritise grassroots development and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach residents across the state’s 18 local government areas, describing the council election as a crucial step towards the 2027 general election.

Also speaking, APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, charged the party’s candidates to emulate Edo’s founding leaders by delivering quality governance at the grassroots and working closely with Governor Okpebholo to sustain the administration’s development strides across the state.