Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused political opponents of President Bola Tinubu of deliberately sponsoring insecurity across Nigeria to weaken public support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during the APC’s campaign launch for local government council elections in Edo South Senatorial District, the Edo State governor dismissed claims that insecurity could create political opportunities for the opposition. He declared firmly that “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” emphasizing that no amount of violence or chaos would alter the nation’s leadership structure.
Okpebholo made the remarks on Tuesday at a campaign event where he addressed party members and supporters. He argued that the recent surge in kidnappings and other forms of insecurity is not a spontaneous crisis but a calculated effort by political adversaries to destabilize the current administration. According to him, the opposition is using fear tactics to erode public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and gain political advantage.
The governor stressed that such tactics are futile, stating that kidnapping children or targeting public officials will not lead to political power. “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,” he said. He added that the only legitimate path to leadership is through democratic processes, not through violence or fear.
In a powerful statement, Okpebholo declared, “They can even kidnap all of us, yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.” This statement underscored his belief that the presidency and other key positions must be earned through elections, not through destabilization. He urged Nigerians to remain calm and focused on development, warning that chaos will only hinder progress.
Okpebholo also praised President Tinubu’s administration for its visible achievements, including infrastructure development and economic reforms. He acknowledged the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy as a necessary step toward long-term economic stability, despite the short-term hardships it caused. He maintained that the government’s actions are aimed at building a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.
The governor’s comments come amid rising concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country, including kidnappings and attacks on communities. His remarks have sparked discussions about the link between politics and security, as well as the role of opposition parties in national stability. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, political leaders are increasingly using public forums to defend their positions and rally support, with security emerging as a central theme in the national discourse.
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