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BENIN CITY, November 12, 2026 — The Edo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. (Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue, has called on the people of Edo State to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the development achievements of the APC-led administrations deserve continuity.
Akhabue, who is a former National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), made the call while welcoming the APC Presidential Campaign team to Benin City for its rally in Edo State.
Describing the occasion as historic, the commissioner declared that Edo people must speak with one voice in support of continuity, noting that the state had witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure and other critical sectors under Governor Okpebholo’s two years of leadership.
He warmly welcomed Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Presidential Campaign Council Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Campaign Council Secretary, Governor Hope Uzodimma, members of the South Caucus, serving senators, governors and other party leaders to the ancient city of Benin.
Akhabue also extended his welcome to Edo indigenes and residents across the state’s 18 local government areas, from Akoko-Edo to Ovia South-West, Etsako to Esan, and Oredo to Uhunmwonde, urging them to unite behind the political direction he said would secure the state’s future.
Congratulating Governor Okpebholo on his two years in office, the commissioner said the administration’s SHINE Agenda had brought renewed confidence, dignity and development to Edo State.
He maintained that the impact of the governor’s leadership was evident across the three senatorial districts, particularly in road construction, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, transportation and market development.
Akhabue listed the construction and dualisation of roads in Benin City, Ekpoma, Auchi, Uromi and other communities as evidence of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal.
He specifically mentioned the Ramat Park Flyover, Ukpogha-Atunli Road, Sobe section of the Auchi-Agbede-Agenebode Road, Ekehuan Road and Upper Ekehuan Road, alongside palliative road interventions, drainage improvements and erosion and flood control projects along Sapele Road and other affected locations.
In the education sector, he highlighted the rebuilding of Ovade Girls School, the construction of 1,500-capacity lecture theatres at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and the renovation and remodelling of schools across the state.
He also cited the construction of a 100-bed-capacity hospital and primary healthcare centres across the local government areas as important steps towards improving access to healthcare.
The commissioner further identified the reconstruction of Oba Market in Benin City and POWA Market in Ekpoma, as well as the N1 billion empowerment fund for market women, as significant interventions aimed at improving commercial activities and supporting small-scale businesses.
According to him, the provision of CNG buses for public transportation, police patrol vehicles for security operations, motorcycles for Rangers and tractors for farmers demonstrated the administration’s commitment to addressing challenges across different sectors.
He also mentioned the renovation and remodelling of the former Ministry of Agriculture building along Sapele Road as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural development.
Akhabue stressed that the significance of these projects extended beyond physical structures, explaining that improved roads would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, enhance commercial activities, improve access to schools and hospitals, and attract investors.
He said the reconstruction of markets would provide traders, particularly women, with better opportunities to earn a living, while investments in education and healthcare would improve the prospects and wellbeing of families.
He added that strengthening security and supporting farmers with agricultural equipment would contribute to peace, food security and employment generation.
“These achievements are not mere promises on paper but living testimonies in markets, in schools, in hospitals, in farms and on roads across the State,” he stated.
The former ALGON president also commended Governor Okpebholo for personally inspecting ongoing projects and maintaining close contact with residents, including children and elderly citizens.
He described the governor’s accessibility and direct engagement with the people as important attributes of people-centred governance.
Warning against reversing the development momentum, Akhabue said abandoning ongoing projects and programmes would negatively affect ordinary residents who depend on improved infrastructure and government interventions for their livelihoods.
He specifically referenced farmers in Esan, traders at Oba Market, students in Ekpoma, mothers in Uromi, elderly residents in Benin City and youths in Auchi, arguing that their interests would be better served by sustained development policies.
He consequently described continuity in the Tinubu and Okpebholo political leadership as essential to achieving economic and social emancipation, massive job creation, improved security, stronger local government development and increased productivity.
Akhabue further urged Edo people to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that cooperation between the federal and state governments would create greater opportunities for development across the state.
He expressed appreciation to Vice President Shettima for his leadership and support for Edo State, while commending Senate President Akpabio for his presence and solidarity.
He equally acknowledged the contributions of APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda; Presidential Campaign Council Director-General, Senator Yari; Campaign Council Secretary, Governor Uzodimma; and other distinguished senators and party leaders.
The commissioner specially saluted Senator Adams Oshiomhole, describing the former governor as a forthright leader who had remained committed to the struggle for a better Edo State.
Welcoming the APC South Caucus, Akhabue said January 16 would be an important date for the people of Edo State and future generations, urging residents to demonstrate their political commitment through their votes.
He called on the people to speak one language, vote in one direction and defend the development progress of the state.
“Edo is for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edo is for Monday Okpebholo, Edo is for continuity, Edo is for progress, Edo State Forward, Nigeria Forward,” he declared.
