2027: Okpebholo Mocks Opposition, Says Supermarket People Want To Become President

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has criticised politicians preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying there is currently “no vacancy” in Aso Rock.

Okpebholo made the remarks on Thursday during the flag-off of the Federal Government’s intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road in Edo State, where he expressed support for Tinubu completing eight years in office.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the governor described some politicians seeking the presidency as “supermarket people” and urged them to wait for their turn before seeking to occupy the highest political office in the country.

“Our president is not a supermarket man, but supermarket people want to rule Nigeria now, even when there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” Okpebholo said.

He maintained that Tinubu should be allowed to complete his two-term tenure, arguing that those seeking to challenge the President should wait for their opportunity.

Okpebholo also alleged that some politicians who may contest against Tinubu in 2027 had previously occupied public offices at different levels and were among those who opposed former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 presidential election. He claimed that some of them had opposed Jonathan’s proposed Almajiri schools programme, which he said was intended to provide education for children within the Almajiri system.

The governor further alleged that the same political figures were now coming together to challenge Tinubu’s bid for another term. However, he did not name the individuals he was referring to.

“The same set of people are still ganging up again to fight President Tinubu so that he would not come back. There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Asiwaju’s eight years must be completed,” he said.

Okpebholo also advised politicians planning to contest the 2027 election against Tinubu not to waste their resources, claiming that some people could collect money from such candidates without ultimately supporting them at the polls.

His comments came amid the Federal Government’s commencement of rehabilitation work on the Benin-Asaba Road, a major route connecting Edo and Delta states.