Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on those responsible for recent abductions across the country to release their victims immediately and unconditionally, declaring that no political party can attain power through kidnapping, banditry, or any other form of criminality.

The governor made the call on Tuesday during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the Edo South Senatorial District local government elections at Urhokpota Hall, Benin City.

Condemning the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity across the country, Okpebholo warned against using criminal activities as a means of achieving political objectives or undermining governance and national stability.

According to him, political ambition must never be pursued through violence, fear, or acts capable of threatening public safety.

“Those seeking political power should not distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from delivering good governance to Nigerians. Kidnapping innocent citizens will not win elections. Political power cannot be secured through criminal activities,” the governor said.

Okpebholo expressed concern over the recent abduction of students, teachers, and other citizens in different parts of the country, including Oyo State, and called for their immediate release. He stressed that insecurity must not be allowed to derail the government’s development agenda.

The governor also commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that the policy had increased resources available to states for infrastructure development and other critical projects.

Reaffirming his support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections, Okpebholo declared that Edo State would remain firmly behind the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Edo State will stand firmly behind President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.

The governor further unveiled what he described as a new political direction for Edo State, announcing that the APC had fielded a youthful and energetic crop of candidates for the forthcoming local government elections.

“We are changing the face of politics in Edo State by giving young and capable people the opportunity to lead at the grassroots level. The future belongs to our youths, and we are creating pathways for them to contribute meaningfully to governance,” he added.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended Okpebholo’s commitment to youth inclusion and leadership development, noting that the administration had created opportunities for young people to occupy strategic positions in government.

The highlight of the event was the official presentation of the APC Edo South Senatorial District candidates by the governor. Those unveiled included Engr. Ogbeide Ihama as the senatorial candidate, Dr. Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Barr. Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, among others.

The event attracted party leaders, supporters, youth groups, and stakeholders from across the senatorial district.