Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged residents of Edo State to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the Federal Government’s interventions in infrastructure, electricity, healthcare and security.
Shettima made the appeal on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Benin City, organised alongside activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
The Vice-President said the Federal Government had responded to the developmental needs of Edo through major infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway by about 100 kilometres into the state.
He also disclosed that work had commenced on the dualisation of roads leading to Auchi and Okpella, while emergency repairs were ongoing on the Benin-Asaba road.
“We have every right to hold us to our word until you can travel these roads in comfort,” he said.
On electricity, Shettima said the completion of the Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline and new transmission lines would enhance power supply, noting that the transmission infrastructure had the capacity to contribute 600 megawatts to the national grid.
He further listed the inauguration of a 30KVA station and solar mini-grid projects in the state, adding that Edo had commenced regulation of its intra-state electricity market.
On healthcare, the Vice-President said the Federal Government was supporting the University of Benin Teaching Hospital to improve access to specialised medical services, including radiotherapy for cancer patients and subsidised dialysis for eligible patients.
He also highlighted interventions at Irrua Specialist Hospital and the National Obstetric and Sickle Cell Centre, as well as support for 158 public health facilities in the state through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Addressing security concerns, Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government had approved additional military and police formations in Edo and recruited more than 500 forest guards from among the state’s youths.
He added that the administration had improved the remuneration and operational capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies to strengthen the fight against insecurity.
Shettima said the interventions reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of Edo residents, urging them to give the President another mandate to complete ongoing projects.
“We ask that our stewardship be judged by the lives our decisions have touched and the work we are determined to complete,” he said.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that about 32 state Houses of Assembly had approved the proposed constitutional alteration to pave the way for the establishment of state police.
He said the initiative would complement the Federal Police in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Akpabio also identified the establishment of the Mobile Police (MOPOL) 82 Squadron and a new Army division in Edo as measures aimed at strengthening security in the state.
Describing Edo as a strategic APC state in the South-South, the Senate President urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to delivering 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
He commended the President for supporting critical projects in the state, particularly the reconstruction of the Benin-Auchi-Okene road, the extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the establishment of additional security formations.
The governor also charged APC leaders and members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across their respective wards and polling units to ensure victory for the party.
Similarly, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as essential instruments for translating political support into electoral victory.
He said APC members and supporters must collect their PVCs and turn out en masse at polling units on election day.
Also, the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Sen. Abdulazeez Yari, appealed to Edo residents to support Tinubu, citing the administration’s efforts to improve national security and increase oil production.
The rally attracted governors, former governors, APC chieftains and supporters, including former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
