The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Italy Chapter has described the party’s clean sweep in the recently concluded local government elections in Edo State as a clear endorsement of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, saying the outcome has further strengthened the party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The chapter’s chairman, Pastor Mike Oputteh, made the assertion in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, stating that the victory of the APC in all the 18 local government areas did not come as a surprise considering what he described as the governor’s impressive performance in office.
According to him, the administration has continued to embark on infrastructure development and governance reforms across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Oputteh said the outcome of the council election was an indication that Edo people had embraced the policies and programmes of the Okpebholo administration, adding that the electorate rewarded the party with overwhelming support because of what they have seen since the governor assumed office.
In his words, “The outcome of the local government election across the 18 council areas is a strong reflection of the confidence the people have in Governor Monday Okpebholo and the leadership of the APC in Edo State. It is an affirmation that the people appreciate the direction in which the state is moving and are prepared to sustain that progress,” he said.
The APC chieftain also commended the Edo State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and the State Vice Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, for what he described as their commitment to party unity, grassroots mobilisation and internal cohesion.
He noted that their leadership had helped to consolidate the APC across the state and ensured that members worked together towards a common objective during the election.
“I must commend Emperor Jarrett Tenebe and Sylvester Aigboboh for providing purposeful leadership and fostering unity within the party. Their efforts have strengthened the APC structure across Edo State and created the atmosphere for this historic electoral success,” Oputteh stated.
Congratulating the newly elected 18 local government chairmen and councillors, Oputteh urged them to regard their electoral victories as a call to service rather than a celebration of political power. He advised them to prioritise good governance, accountability and grassroots development in order to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.
“I congratulate all the chairmen and councillors-elect on their victories. The people have entrusted you with a great responsibility. You must serve with humility, transparency and dedication while ensuring that development reaches every community under your administration,” he added.
Speaking on the implications of the election, Oputteh said the APC’s victory has significantly boosted the party’s political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that controlling all the local government councils would strengthen the party’s grassroots structures, deepen voter mobilisation and enhance coordination across the state’s 192 wards.
According to him, the outcome has also reinforced confidence that Edo State is on course to deliver the 2.5 million votes earlier projected by the party for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“This victory is beyond winning council seats; it is the foundation for the 2027 general elections. It demonstrates that the APC remains the dominant political force in Edo State. With a united party, effective grassroots leadership and sustained delivery of democratic dividends, I have no doubt that Edo is well positioned to deliver the 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
