Massive turnout at APC presidential primary reflects growing grassroots support- Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday declared that the state is poised to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing the massive turnout recorded during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in Ward 2, Udomi, Esan Central Local Government Area.

Governor Okpebholo spoke after participating in the primary held at Udomi Primary School, his home ward, where party members voted under the Option A4 system approved by the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

He described the large turnout and peaceful conduct of the exercise as a clear indication of the growing support for President Tinubu and the APC across Edo State.

“Today’s primary was peaceful, and you could see the happiness on the faces of our people as they came out in large numbers to vote for Mr. President,” Okpebholo said.

“They voted overwhelmingly for him, and this is exactly what is happening across Edo State. It is a clear pointer to what the 2027 general election will look like in the state.”

The governor expressed confidence that Edo would play a key role in President Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that the APC remains firmly rooted across the state.

“We are ready for the 2027 general election, and we are ready to deliver Edo State to President Tinubu,” he stated. “Two point five million votes are possible. Some people may doubt it, but it is achievable and already settled in Edo State.”

Okpebholo added that the enthusiasm displayed by party members during the primary reflected increasing public confidence in both the state government and the administration of President Tinubu.

According to him, ongoing development projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education and rural development are helping to strengthen support for the APC at the grassroots level.

“The people understand the connection between what we are doing in Edo State and the national agenda,” he said. “When they see roads being constructed, schools being improved and communities receiving development projects, they see a government that is working for them.”

The Returning Officer for the presidential primary in Ward 2, Esan Central Local Government Area, Hon. Ehimegbe Favour, confirmed that the exercise was conducted in line with APC guidelines and regulations.

He explained that party members were verified with their APC membership cards before being counted under the Option A4 system.

According to him, President Tinubu secured 360 votes to emerge winner of the presidential primary in the ward.

Favour noted that the Option A4 voting method ensured transparency and credibility throughout the exercise, as voting and counting were done openly in the presence of party members and observers.