The Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor, has called on political appointees, party leaders, government officials and loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intensify mobilisation efforts for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ikhilor made the call while hosting political appointees, APC leaders, party faithful and government officials at his residence in Irrua during the Eid-el-Adha celebration.

The SSG had earlier hosted neighbours, members of the Arewa community and Muslim faithful on May 27 before concluding the celebrations with political stakeholders on May 28.

Addressing guests at the gathering, Ikhilor urged eligible voters to take advantage of the registration exercise, stressing the need for the party to strengthen its numerical base in the state.

According to him, the APC in Edo State is determined to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“We know that Asiwaju is satisfied and his 2.5 million votes are sure in Edo State. We are using this medium to encourage our people to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

“Let us continue to sensitise the people on the need to get registered. I urge party leaders and stakeholders to mobilise massively towards actualising the 2.5 million votes target for President Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

Ikhilor commended commissioners and political appointees for supporting Governor Monday Okpebholo in delivering on his campaign promises and ensuring that Edo people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

He also praised the governor for ongoing infrastructural and human capital development projects across the state, particularly in Esanland.

“We thank God for what He is using the governor to do in Esanland and Edo State generally. We appreciate the governor for the infrastructural development and the human capacity programmes being implemented,” he stated.

The SSG further lauded Governor Okpebholo for distributing food items to residents during festive periods, noting that beneficiaries cut across the three senatorial districts of the state during Christmas, Easter and Sallah celebrations.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Felix Akhabue, described Ikhilor as a unifier whose gatherings have continued to strengthen political interaction and grassroots mobilisation.

“The SSG is a strong foot soldier of the governor and has consistently demonstrated leadership by bringing people together. This kind of gathering provides an opportunity for interaction and effective political mobilisation,” Akhabue said.

He urged other political appointees, including commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants, to emulate the SSG’s inclusive leadership style.

Also speaking, APC leader in Edo Central Senatorial District, Chief William Shaka Momodu, commended Ikhilor for his role in supporting the administration to achieve its development goals.

Representing the Arewa community, Hon. Bawa applauded Governor Okpebholo for what he described as remarkable infrastructural development across the state.

He noted that projects executed by the administration were positively impacting residents in all 18 local government areas of Edo State.

Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Bisi Idaomi; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Ebojele; officials of the Edo State Transport Authority, Edoline, Edo State Waste Management Board, Special Advisers, ward chairmen, and representatives of various organisations and communities.