Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared that he would resign from office if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to win Edo State in the 2027 presidential election.

The governor made the statement during an interview with veteran journalist Babajide Otitoju, asserting that the political climate in Edo now overwhelmingly favors Tinubu.

“Asiwaju (Tinubu) is even more popular than me here now because Edo people already know that what I’m doing is because of Asiwaju’s impact,” Okpebholo said. “You will see the kind of result that will come out from here because there’s no opposition here in Edo. Everybody is for Asiwaju.”

Addressing the possibility of former Governor Godwin Obaseki mounting a challenge, Okpebholo dismissed the idea, citing Obaseki’s poor record during his tenure. “You cannot scam Edo and come back here. No mother on the street will pray for Obaseki,” he asserted.

Okpebholo also downplayed the relevance of the Labour Party, highlighting that the infrastructural projects delivered under Tinubu’s administration—such as key roads and flyovers—have won the affection of Edo residents. “These are the things that will speak for Asiwaju. And he will win here. Perfectly,” he said.

When cautioned about the boldness of his pledge, the governor reiterated, “If Asiwaju does not win here, I will resign as governor. I am telling you. There is no election here for him. My brother, forget it.”

Defending his political approach, Okpebholo described himself as a grassroots politician influenced by the late Chief Tony Anenih, emphasizing that his leadership style is close to ordinary Edo residents rather than elites.