Okpebholo Demands Release of Kidnap Victims, Says Power Cannot Be Won Through Crime

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of victims of recent abductions across the country, warning that political power cannot be attained through kidnapping, banditry, or any form of criminality.

Speaking on Tuesday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the Edo South Senatorial District local government elections at Urhokpota Hall in Benin City, the governor condemned the rising wave of insecurity and cautioned against using violence and fear as political tools.

Okpebholo said those seeking political office should not undermine governance through criminal acts, insisting that political ambition must be pursued through legitimate and democratic means.

“Those seeking political power should not distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from delivering good governance to Nigerians. Kidnapping innocent citizens will not win elections. Political power cannot be secured through criminal activities,” he stated.

The governor expressed concern over the recent abduction of students, teachers, and other citizens in various parts of the country, including Oyo State, and urged their captors to release them without delay.

According to him, insecurity must not be allowed to derail the nation’s development agenda or distract governments at all levels from delivering dividends of democracy.

Okpebholo also commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had increased financial resources available to states for infrastructure development and other critical projects.

Reaffirming his support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections, the governor declared that Edo State would continue to back the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Edo State will stand firmly behind President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

The governor further outlined what he described as a new political direction for Edo State, noting that the APC had fielded a youthful and energetic crop of candidates for the forthcoming local government elections.

“We are changing the face of politics in Edo State by giving young and capable people the opportunity to lead at the grassroots level. The future belongs to our youths, and we are creating pathways for them to contribute meaningfully to governance,” he added.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended Okpebholo’s commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development, noting that the administration had provided opportunities for young people to occupy strategic positions in government.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of APC candidates for the Edo South Senatorial District by the governor. Those presented included Engr. Ogbeide Ihama, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, Barr. Omorede Igbinedion and other candidates contesting various elective positions in the forthcoming local government elections.