Former Obaseki Appointees Back Okpebholo, Pledge Support for Tinubu and APC Ahead of 2027

A group of former political appointees who served under former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has declared support for Governor Monday Okpebholo, citing what it described as visible development projects and governance initiatives across the state.

The endorsement came during a visit by members of the Edo Women Ambassadors for Renewed Hope Agenda (EWARHA) to the Government House in Benin City, where they pledged support for the administration of Governor Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also expressed its intention to work towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Among those identified as members of the delegation were former Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management, Sera Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun; former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Oise Momoh Omorogbe; and Queen Obaseki, a member of the former governor's family.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Philomena Ihenyen said the organisation, which she said has more than 78 members, was motivated by what it considers Governor Okpebholo's commitment to development and infrastructure delivery.

According to her, the group consists of women from different professional backgrounds, many of whom are not registered members of any political party but have become interested in the APC because of the governor's performance.

"We are happy to meet with Your Excellency today. This group, EWARHA, will be inaugurated across the three senatorial districts of Edo State," she said.

"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 members of the organisation were impressed by what they described as visible projects across various parts of the state.

"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," she said.

"Many of us are impressed by your developmental strides and practical governance style. The projects are visible across Edo State."

She added that the group had developed programmes aimed at engaging communities, professionals and residents across the state, while also reaching out to individuals outside the APC fold.

Responding to the endorsement, Governor Okpebholo thanked the group for its support and assured members that his administration would remain focused on infrastructure development and improving the welfare of Edo residents.

The governor highlighted ongoing road construction projects as part of efforts to improve transportation and connectivity across the state.

"I am happy that today I can drive freely to access places like Temboga, Sapele, Gelegele, Church Road and other roads across the state," he said.

"We are doing our best to ensure Edo roads are motorable, and work is ongoing in Gelegele and other areas."

Governor Okpebholo also used the occasion to defend the economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy.

According to him, the policy has increased financial resources available to state governments for development projects.

"The removal of fuel subsidy has brought positive changes to Nigeria," the governor said.

"Reforms are difficult, but they are necessary for growth and development. Gradually, we will get there as a nation."

He assured members of the group that his administration would continue to engage stakeholders and pursue initiatives aimed at advancing development across Edo State.

The endorsement is the latest political development in Edo State as parties and interest groups begin positioning ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.