When the story of the South-South’s political renaissance is told, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s name will feature prominently. His masterful hosting of the inaugural Progressive Governors’ Regional Meeting in Benin City has not only elevated his standing within the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also firmly positioned Edo State as the new political heartbeat of the South-South.
For years, the region posed a steep challenge for the APC, as historical loyalties and entrenched sentiments tilted the balance toward the opposition. Yet, within just a few months in office, Governor Okpebholo has begun to shift that narrative. By convening APC governors from across the country in a high-stakes strategic convergence, he sent a clear message: under his leadership, Edo is not a bystander but a key architect of the party’s future.
The meeting in Benin City was no mere formality — it was a political statement. With over twenty Progressive Governors in attendance, it signaled that the South-South can no longer be treated as an electoral afterthought. Okpebholo’s ability to pull off such a high-profile gathering — seamlessly and strategically — showcased his growing capacity for political coordination, bridge-building, and vision-setting.
Observers lauded Edo’s smooth hosting of the event, interpreting it as proof of the state’s readiness to lead a broader regional political realignment.
Governor Okpebholo’s rising influence was unmistakable on the national stage. Addressing fellow leaders, he pledged Edo’s unflinching support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 — framing the President as the driver of reforms that must be deepened and delivered.
“Edo is solidly behind President Tinubu. We will mobilize every ward, every community, every leader to ensure that his victory is not only repeated but expanded,” he declared.
This wasn’t mere political loyalty — it was strategic foresight. Okpebholo understands that for the South-South to attract meaningful federal attention and development, alignment with the centre is not optional; it is imperative.
True to his grassroots style, the Governor has since rallied traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups to drive home this message. His meetings with respected monarchs across the state — securing their unified backing — show an astute appreciation of the region’s cultural and political dynamics. He is not just mobilizing party faithfuls; he’s activating the conscience of the people.
And the people are responding. From the streets of Benin to the heartlands of Etsako, there is a renewed sense of confidence. With Okpebholo, Edo has a leader who commands respect both in the state and in Abuja. His calm but firm leadership style has won admiration, even among past skeptics. Those who once dismissed his rise now acknowledge him as a force that can no longer be ignored.
While some opposition voices have criticized his open endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term bid, many in Edo view it as a mark of courage and clarity. In an era where many leaders hedge their bets, Governor Okpebholo has planted his flag — squarely on the side of stability and progress.
This decisiveness is a breath of fresh air in a region often mired in political infighting and shifting alliances. Under Okpebholo, the South-South is witnessing the emergence of a new vanguard — one ready to shape national conversations from within the APC’s strategic core.
And this is only the beginning in view of the Governor’s plans for deeper engagements with neighbouring states, cultural institutions, and political power blocs. The goal is clear: to position Edo as the launchpad for expanding APC influence across a region that has long remained outside the party’s reach.
Governor Okpebholo’s story is a case study in quiet, calculated leadership — where loyalty, strategy, and vision converge. As 2027 draws closer, it is increasingly evident that the South-South has in him not just a party loyalist, but a statesman who can deliver votes, build alliances, and negotiate power for his people.
As the dust settles on the historic Progressive Governors’ gathering in Benin City, the APC has already announced a high-level South-South Summit — also to be held in Edo — aimed at consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda and crafting a roadmap for the party’s future in the region.
One thing is now clear: Edo State, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, is no longer at the political margins. It is at the very centre of strategy, coordination, and vision for the South-South and beyond.
And for President Tinubu, there can be no stronger assurance than this — that in Okpebholo, he has not just an ally, but a dependable general who has made it clear: Tinubu’s re-election in Edo come 2027 is a settled matter.
Godswill Inegbe is the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Communication, Strategy and Media Projects.
