Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has taken to the podium this week to urge Edo voters Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, warning that a vote for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would jeopardise the gains made under President Bola Tinubu’s first term. Tenebe’s remarks come after former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s comments, which the APC chief labelled as reckless and potentially destabilising for the party’s national agenda. Why Edo voters Tinubu Appeal Matters for Edo’s Political Landscape Tenebe’s call is more than a routine party rally; it reflects the strategic importance of Edo State in the presidential contest. With over 2.5 million registered voters, Edo is a swing state that can tip the balance between the APC and opposition parties. By urging Edo voters Tinubu, Tenebe is seeking to consolidate the APC’s grassroots network, which has been instrumental in delivering victories in previous elections. The APC’s performance in Edo during the 2023 elections was mixed, with the party winning the governorship but losing some legislative seats. This time, the party aims to tighten its grip, especially after the ADC’s growing presence in the South‑South region. Tenebe warned that splitting the vote could open the door for a third‑party surge, a scenario the APC wants to avoid at all costs. Context: The ADC’s Emerging Influence in the South‑South The African Democratic Congress, founded in 2005, has been steadily building its base in the South‑South, capitalising on local grievances about perceived neglect from the federal government. In recent months, ADC candidates have won several local council seats in neighboring states, signalling a potential shift in voter sentiment. Tenebe highlighted that the ADC’s platform, while appealing to some, lacks the national reach and policy depth required to steer Nigeria’s complex economy. He argued that the party’s focus on identity politics could fragment the electorate, making it harder to achieve the development agenda set out by President Tinubu. Rotimi Amaechi’s Remarks and Their Fallout Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, a prominent figure within the APC’s national structure, sparked controversy when he suggested that supporters of Tinubu should “re‑evaluate their loyalty” after a series of policy setbacks. Tenebe swiftly condemned the comments as “reckless,” emphasizing that internal disagreements should not be aired publicly during an election cycle. Political analysts note that Amaechi’s remarks may have been an attempt to leverage his influence ahead of the 2027 primaries, where the APC will select its next presidential candidate. Regardless of the motive, Tenebe’s response underscores the party’s desire to present a united front, especially in key states like Edo. What Tinubu’s Re‑Election Means for Edo’s Development Agenda President Bola Tinubu’s first term has seen several flagship projects that directly impact Edo State. The federal government’s “Niger Delta Revitalisation Programme” allocated funds for road rehabilitation, power infrastructure and youth empowerment schemes in Benin City and surrounding LGAs. Tenebe reminded voters that a second term for Tinubu would likely see the continuation and expansion of these initiatives. He cited the ongoing construction of the Edo‑Lagos Expressway, which promises to cut travel time between the two economic hubs, as a tangible benefit of staying the course. Moreover, Tinubu’s administration has championed the “Digital Nigeria” agenda, promoting fintech hubs in Lagos and Abuja while encouraging satellite development centres in secondary cities, including Edo’s capital. Tenebe argued that a vote for Tinubu is essentially a vote for technological advancement and job creation in the state. Strategies to Mobilise Edo Voters Ahead of 2027 To translate rhetoric into votes, Tenebe outlined a multi‑pronged mobilisation strategy. First, the APC will deploy “grass‑roots mobilisers” to rural wards, ensuring that voter registration drives reach remote communities. Second, the party plans a series of town‑hall meetings where local leaders can discuss Tinubu’s achievements and future plans directly with constituents. Third, the APC will leverage social media platforms popular among Nigerian youths—such as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok—to disseminate short, shareable videos that highlight the benefits of a Tinubu‑led government. Finally, the party intends to collaborate with civil society organisations to monitor the electoral process, guaranteeing transparency and reducing the risk of malpractice. Potential Risks and Counter‑Arguments Critics of Tenebe’s stance argue that the APC’s focus on continuity may overlook legitimate concerns about governance, corruption and unemployment. Opposition voices claim that Tinubu’s administration has not done enough to curb inflation, which remains a pressing issue for ordinary Nigerians. In response, Tenebe acknowledged the challenges but insisted that the APC’s policy framework is better equipped to address them than the ADC’s nascent platform. He urged Edo voters to weigh the track record of the incumbent against the uncertainty of a third‑party experiment. Looking Ahead: The 2027 Election Landscape As Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential election, the political terrain is expected to become increasingly competitive. While the APC aims to retain power, the ADC, Labour Party and other emerging groups are positioning themselves as viable alternatives. For Edo State, the battle will likely hinge on voter turnout and the effectiveness of each party’s mobilisation efforts. Tenebe’s message—clear, direct and rooted in local development concerns—aims to galvanise the electorate before the final campaign sprint. FAQ When is the next presidential election in Nigeria? The presidential election is scheduled for February 2027, with voting expected across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. What are the main reasons Tenebe gives for supporting Tinubu? He cites continuity of development projects, the Digital Nigeria agenda, and the need for a united front against third‑party fragmentation. How can Edo voters verify the credibility of ADC’s promises? Voters are encouraged to review the ADC’s official policy documents, attend public forums, and compare the party’s track record with that of the incumbent administration. Tenebe’s appeal underscores the high stakes for Edo’s electorate as they prepare to shape Nigeria’s political future. Whether the call to back Tinubu and reject ADC resonates with voters will be evident on election day, when the state’s millions of voices converge at the ballot box. 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