I Have No Godfathers, But God Sent People to Support Me – Okpebholo

Senator Okpebholo has stated that he has no political godfathers but acknowledges that God used people to help him succeed in his political journey.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has rejected allegations that he was selected by influential figures to be manipulated as the leading official of the South-South state.

He believes that Almighty God chose specific individuals to support his ambition for the governorship and help him secure the position.

The governor questioned whether anyone could identify a godfather who had supported him when asked about his political background on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.

“God utilized others to assist and support me, helping me reach where I am today.”

The governor also mentioned that Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed him as the leader of the ruling party in the South-South region.

The Senate President, hailing from the South-South region, acted with the intention of advancing Edo’s development and aimed to reposition it for progress.

“God was active, and the Edo people made their voices heard. We were eager for change. I am confident that even in 20 years, victory will be ours again. When I won my Senate seat, there was already a sitting senator at the time; yet despite everything seemingly being against us back then, we still emerged victorious.”

He expressed his pride, stating that there is little opposition in Edo State. Many people recognize the truth and some even secretly voted for him while still affiliated with PDP because of what they anticipated receiving from Obaseki; their interest did not lie in supporting his government.

He also mentioned that Senator Adams Oshiomhole from Edo North is not the dictator some critics make him out to be. Instead, according to the governor, Oshiomhole permits others to manage state affairs without interference.

“Even the man they label a dictator isn’t dictating anything; I’m witnessing a different Oshiomhole. He is allowing me complete freedom.”

Every time I try to talk to him, he responds with something like, “My son, I understand your feelings; just follow your own path.” However, I’ll reply by saying, “Sir, I don’t want to do it alone. Please guide me.” When he offers his advice, it’s often very helpful and leads to positive outcomes. We can’t be isolated from others; we must involve everyone in our journey.

Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in the Edo governorship election held on September 21, 2024. He triumphed over Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), among other candidates.

He was subsequently inaugurated as governor on November 12, 2024, following Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure with the PDP.

Okpebholo’s journey to the Dennis Osadebe Government House was far from smooth. Importantly, Okpebholo, a former senator of Edo Central, utilized some influence in his senatorial district and allied with Oshiomhole to overcome Ighodalo, who was endorsed by the then-outgoing governor.

Okpebholo’s success might also be credited to his partnership with Dennis Idahosa, who was a federal lawmaker and served as his running mate at the time, along with Philip Shaibu, Obaseki’s former deputy from whom he had become estranged.

In 2020, the APC lost control of the state after Obaseki switched allegiance to the PDP amid an intense internal conflict and disagreement with his predecessor, Oshiomhole.

After being denied the APC governorship ticket, Obaseki switched to the PDP and secured their nomination. He then defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC to win his second term, which concluded on November 12, 2024.

Obaseki actively campaigned for Ighodalo, while Oshiomhole played a central role in supporting Okpebholo’s campaign by participating in rallies and interviews on behalf of the APC candidate.