Former Edo State Governor and National Legal Adviser of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Professor Oserhimen Osunbor, has downplayed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s claim of political dominance, describing it as irrelevant to the outcome of the 2027 presidential election. He also criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo’s promise to secure 3.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu, calling it unrealistic.
Osunbor made these remarks on Sunday at the Edo Central senatorial ADC meeting held in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area. He pointed to the party’s expanding support base, strengthened by recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as evidence that many Nigerians are turning to alternative political platforms ahead of 2027.
Addressing the APC’s assertion of strength based on its control of 31 governors, Osunbor argued that such alignments are often motivated by personal political interests rather than the welfare of citizens.
He said: “These governors know what they are looking for. They are not experiencing the suffering of the Nigerian people. They are probably joining because they want their privileges to continue.”
He further warned that some politicians aligning with the APC may be relying on uncertain expectations, noting that provisions within the Electoral Act could ultimately affect their chances.
According to him, “Don’t be surprised that some of those now celebrating in APC may not even make the final list of candidates submitted to INEC. At that point, it will be too late for them to seek another platform.”
On the governor’s pledge to deliver 3.5 million votes from Edo State to Tinubu in 2027, Osunbor described the projection as misleading and detached from reality.
“Unless they are relying on rigging, everybody knows they cannot get 3.5 million votes. What is the total number of registered voters in Edo State?” he queried, insisting that such figures were not grounded in electoral realities.
He added that the statement should not be taken seriously, alleging that those making such promises lacked a track record of electoral credibility.
“It is a hoax. Those making such claims have not demonstrated electoral integrity in the past, and our people must not fall for it,” Osunbor said.
Also speaking, a chieftain of the party and former governorship aspirant, Mr. Ken Imansuagbon, said the political momentum was shifting away from both the APC-led Federal Government and the Edo State administration.
“It is evident that Edo people and Nigerians are ready to deny President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo a second tenure. The will of the people, not intimidation, will prevail,” he declared.
Imansuagbon described the influx of defectors into the ADC as a “tsunami,” reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
He maintained that despite the APC’s control of multiple states, electoral victory ultimately depends on the electorate.
“Thirty-one governors have 31 votes; the people are not with them. In 2023, it was the turn of one man, but in 2027, it will be the turn of the Nigerian people,” he added.
