Tinubu Seeks Second Term, Urges Edo Voters to Renew Mandate for Completion of Projects
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to voters in Edo State to re-elect him in the January 16, 2027 presidential election, saying a second term would enable his administration to complete ongoing projects and fulfil outstanding commitments.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the appeal on Thursday during the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) rally in Benin City.
“We have come this far with your trust and we seek your mandate to finish the work we have begun,” Shettima told supporters.
He said the administration had completed some projects, while others were ongoing, adding that its performance should be assessed based on the impact of its policies and development initiatives on Nigerians.
On infrastructure, Shettima disclosed that work had commenced on the dualisation of roads leading to Ekpoma, Auchi and Okene, while emergency repairs were ongoing on the Benin-Asaba road.
He assured residents that the government remained committed to delivering comfortable and efficient road transportation, particularly for traders and businesses affected by delays.
On electricity, the Vice President said the completed Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline was now supplying gas, while new transmission lines had the capacity to inject an additional 600 megawatts into the national grid.
Shettima also highlighted improvements in healthcare, noting that the University of Benin Teaching Hospital had commenced radiotherapy services for cancer patients, while 158 public health facilities across Edo State had received Federal Government support.
Addressing the issue of repatriation of Benin artefacts, he said progress had been recorded following the transfer of ownership of Benin treasures to Nigeria by Cambridge and Sweden.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, in his remarks, expressed confidence in the APC’s electoral prospects, asking the Vice President to convey his assurance of the state’s readiness to support Tinubu’s re-election.
He described Edo as a construction site and commended the President for removing the fuel subsidy and introducing tax reforms, which he said demonstrated courage and leadership.
Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, said the party’s manifesto prioritised security, stressing that protecting lives and communities remained its foremost responsibility.
Yari attributed improved peace in the South-South to increased oil production, which he said had risen to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day, adding that the party was targeting two million votes from Edo State.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s electoral victory, declaring that Edo had already made its decision ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.
Akpabio highlighted the extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through Edo, the recruitment of more than 500 forest guards from the state and the establishment of the Nigerian Army’s 83 Division as some of the administration’s achievements.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said the rally coincided with the second anniversary of Okpebholo’s administration.
He urged voters to support APC candidates across all levels, arguing that the party needed a cooperative Senate to facilitate the implementation of its programmes.
Meanwhile, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, urged residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the election.
Uzodimma described the PVC as the most important instrument for electoral participation, urging Edo residents to mobilise behind the APC on January 16, 2027.
