By Frank Ulom
BENIN CITY (CONVERSEER) – A civic technology organisation, MonITNG, has criticised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over his recent declaration that he would secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The group, in a statement issued on 28 November 2025, via X, said the governor’s remarks had raised widespread concerns among citizens, who questioned the credibility and realism of such a pledge.
MonITNG noted that Governor Okpebholo was elected earlier in the year with 291,667 votes, narrowly defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo, who polled 247,274 votes.
According to the organisation, the governor’s assurance of delivering 2.5 million votes does not align with Edo State’s registered voting population, past election turnouts, or the figures recorded during his own election. It added that the governor’s comments could be interpreted as an attempt to predetermine the outcome of a democratic process that should be left entirely to the electorate.
MonITNG stressed that democracy is built on the principle that citizens, not political office holders, decide election outcomes. It warned that guaranteeing votes for any political figure risks undermining public confidence in the system and could raise doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.
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The statement also highlighted the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the Commission’s Chairman and officials to maintain strict neutrality in line with its mandate of transparency, professionalism, impartiality, and credibility.
The group further cautioned that the governor’s focus on electoral promises for national politicians may overshadow his primary responsibilities to the people of Edo State. It said such pronouncements could send a troubling message that elections are predetermined rather than reflective of voters’ choices.
MonITNG concluded that no politician can guarantee votes that do not exist, insisting that the people of Edo State will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 elections. It called for accountability, honesty, and respect for democratic processes to ensure that every citizen’s vote is valued.
