When The Governor Of Edo, Okpebholo Started Shouting, A Lot Of People Did Not Understand Him–Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys a strong political advantage in the South-South region ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its influence across the geopolitical zone.

Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during an APC presidential campaign rally held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.

According to a report by Vanguard on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Senate President attributed the growing support for Tinubu to the APC’s expanding political structures at the grassroots level and the developmental projects being implemented by the federal government.

While addressing party supporters, Akpabio called on residents of the South-South to support Tinubu’s ambition to secure another term in office. He cited several federal government projects and interventions, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, security programmes and infrastructure development in Edo State, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national progress.

He also expressed confidence that the APC would record a convincing victory in Edo State, recounting a conversation he had with Vice-President Kashim Shettima shortly after they arrived at the campaign venue.

According to Akpabio, Shettima had privately expressed certainty about the party’s chances in the state.

“I must also say that the Vice President whispered to me when we came in here that Edo is over, election in Edo is over,” Akpabio told the gathering. “When the Governor of Edo, Gov. Okpebholo started shouting, a lot of people did not understand him. Why will Edo not return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into office? Not just the love he has for this state.”

The Senate President further recalled Edo State’s historical association with progressive politics, noting that it was among the early strongholds of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the political parties that eventually merged to establish the APC.

Extending his argument beyond Edo, Akpabio maintained that the APC had strengthened its political presence throughout the South-South region.

He further claimed that the party’s control of state governments across the geopolitical zone had placed Tinubu in a favourable position ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Akpabio’s comments reflect the ruling party’s growing confidence as political activities and preparations for the next general election continue to gather momentum.

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