— Group Pledges Support for Tinubu, APC Ahead of 2027
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received the backing of former political appointees who served under the immediate past administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, following their endorsement of his development initiatives across the state.
The former appointees, under the platform of Edo Women Ambassadors for Renewed Hope Agenda (EWARHA), visited the Government House in Benin City to express their support for the Okpebholo administration, pledging to work for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The group, made up of professionals from different fields, includes former Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management, Mrs. Sera Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun; former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Oise Momoh Omorogbe; Queen Obaseki, a member of the former governor’s family, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen said the over 78-member organisation was motivated by Governor Okpebholo’s achievements and his commitment to delivering impactful projects across Edo State.
She said the group comprises women from diverse professional backgrounds who are ready to support the administration and work with the APC to promote good governance.
“We are happy to meet with Your Excellency today. This group, EWARHA, will be inaugurated across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.
“These women are professionals from different fields and many are not card-carrying members of any political party. However, they have become interested in the APC because of the performance of Governor Okpebholo,” Ihenyen said.
She noted that the governor’s practical approach to governance and visible projects across the state encouraged the group to declare its support for his administration.
“For your sake, we are ready to carry the message and work with you to achieve results, fulfil your promises to Edo people and deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
“Many of us are impressed by your developmental strides and practical governance style. The projects are visible across Edo State,” she added.
Ihenyen said the group had developed programmes to engage communities, professionals and residents across the state, while also reaching out to members of other political parties to support the APC.
Responding, Governor Okpebholo thanked the women for their support, assuring them that his administration would remain focused on delivering more development projects and improving the living conditions of Edo people.
The governor said his administration would not disappoint residents of the state, adding that ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly road construction, were aimed at opening up rural communities and improving connectivity.
“I am happy that today I can drive freely to access places like Temboga, Sapele, Gelegele, Church Road and other roads across the state. We are doing our best to ensure Edo roads are motorable, and work is ongoing in Gelegele and other areas,” Okpebholo said.
He said the economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, had provided states with increased resources to embark on development projects.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has brought positive changes to Nigeria. Reforms are difficult, but they are necessary for growth and development. Gradually, we will get there as a nation,” the governor said.
Governor Okpebholo commended the group for identifying with his administration, assuring them that he would continue to work with stakeholders to move Edo State forward.