‘No Vacancy In Aso Rock’ – Okpebholo Accuses Oposition Of Sponsoring Kidnapping

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that some opposition figures are sponsoring insecurity in the country in a bid to distract President Bola Tinubu and discredit his administration.

Naija News reports that Okpebholo made the allegation during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress campaign for the local government council elections in Edo South Senatorial District.

The governor said the recent rise in insecurity was not accidental, claiming that it was being orchestrated by those who wanted to weaken public confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.

According to him, such efforts would not help the perpetrators win elective positions, including the presidency, in 2027.

Okpebholo said those allegedly behind the insecurity were mistaken if they believed that creating fear across the country would give them political advantage.

He said, “They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

The governor insisted that the opposition had failed politically and was now allegedly using insecurity to attack the government.

“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 added.

He argued that those promoting violence would not secure seats in the Senate, House of Representatives or the presidency by destabilising the country.

Okpebholo also praised President Tinubu, saying his administration had done more for Nigeria than previous governments.

He said the benefits of the removal of fuel subsidy were already being seen in different projects across Edo State.

The governor maintained that the policy, though initially difficult, had created room for government to fund development projects and deliver more dividends of democracy.

He urged party members to remain committed to the APC and continue supporting the President ahead of the next general elections.

Okpebholo congratulated those who emerged as candidates of the APC after the party’s primary election for the forthcoming local government polls.

He said their victories in the council elections would serve as a signal that the party could deliver the 2.5 million votes pledged to Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The governor urged the candidates to work hard, remain united and take the party’s message to the grassroots.

According to him, the APC-led government in the state had shown enough commitment to development to earn the support of the people.

Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, described the party as the only viable political platform in the state.

Tenebe urged the party’s candidates to take the message of Okpebholo’s developmental achievements to communities across Edo State.

He also charged them to replicate the governor’s development agenda in their various local government areas if elected.

The event featured the official unveiling of APC candidates in Edo South by the governor.

Those unveiled included Ogbeide Ihama for Senate, Dr Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, among others.

The campaign flag-off attracted party leaders, candidates and supporters, who pledged to work for the victory of the APC in the forthcoming council elections.