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By Tracy Moses
A former presidential aspirant and governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Edo State, Patience Ofure Key, has criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his reported pledge to “deliver 2.5 million votes” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Key described the remark as unacceptable and undemocratic, insisting that votes in Edo State are neither for sale nor subject to political allocation.
“Edo votes are not for sale. Edo votes are not for delivery. Edo people are not political commodities,” she said, stressing that no elected official has the authority to predetermine the will of the electorate.
She argued that citizens of the state must be treated as independent voters whose choices cannot be “bought, packaged or transferred” by any political actor.
Questioning the basis of the governor’s claim, Key pointed to past election results in the state, noting that recent governorship elections recorded far lower figures than the 2.5 million votes being projected.
According to her, Governor Okpebholo himself secured 291,667 votes in the 2024 governorship election, while his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, polled 307,955 votes in 2020. She also recalled that the 2016 governorship election produced a winning tally of 319,483 votes.
“These figures reflect the reality of electoral participation in Edo State. So, when anyone speaks of ‘2.5 million votes’ as if it is a fixed deposit, the people are right to question whether this is political hype or something more troubling,” she said.
Key further advised the governor to prioritise governance over political projections, urging him to focus on improving security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in the state. “He should be governing, not making reckless political promises on behalf of the people,” she added.
The PRP chieftain also warned against what she described as a growing culture of political entitlement among some leaders, cautioning that no individual or group has ownership over any state or its people.
“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Edo belongs to all Edo people. No one has the right to turn any state into a private political estate,” she said.
As preparations gradually build towards the 2027 general election, Key called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to manipulate the democratic process.
She urged citizens to defend their voting rights, reject inducement, and participate actively in shaping the country’s political future.
“The 2027 election is not just another contest. It is a defining moment for the future of our nation. Nigerians must refuse intimidation, reject political slavery, and stand firm in defence of their rights,” she stated.