Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has stirred serious political heat after saying President Bola Tinubu is sending money to states, a remark many see as clear proof that public funds may be used to win votes ahead of the 2027 election.
Speaking during a tense interview on Politics Today hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, the governor stood by his earlier promise to deliver 2.5 million votes from Edo State to Tinubu. When reminded that Peter Obi clearly beat Tinubu in the state during the 2023 election with 331163 votes against 144471, Okpebholo brushed it aside and said things have changed.
He said the difference now is the work being done and the money coming from the President. He went further to explain that the funds are helping them mobilize support on the ground, adding that Tinubu does not even need to campaign in Edo because the state is already secure for the ruling party.
The numbers, however, raise doubts. In the 2023 election, total votes cast in Edo were just over 600000. Even combining all candidates did not reach 700000. For the governor’s promise to happen, voter turnout would need to more than triple and even go beyond the number of registered voters, which was just above 2.5 million. In the 2024 governorship race, Okpebholo himself secured only 291667 votes despite full backing from his party.
The Peoples Democratic Party quickly attacked his claim, calling it unrealistic and insulting. The party said it makes no sense for a governor who got under 300000 votes to now promise millions, accusing him of trying to impress political leaders in Abuja.
This is not the first time such comments have surfaced. In March 2026, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda also said Tinubu had been releasing funds to local governments, suggesting that this alone would help secure re election support.
These statements are raising bigger concerns. When top officials openly link government funding to political support, it creates fear that public money is being used as a tool to influence voters. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has already been prosecuting cases tied to misuse of public funds in elections, including the trial of former central bank governor Godwin Emefiele.
With the 2027 race already taking shape, many Nigerians are now questioning how fair the process can be if those in power openly talk about using state funds to build political support. The governor’s words have left a strong impression that politics may be turning into a simple exchange of money for loyalty.
