City Boy Comedy: The New Low Of Edo Politics

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There comes a moment in a state’s political history when exaggeration begins to blur into absurdity. That moment arguably arrived in Edo State when Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, and Governor Monday Okpebholo publicly pledged to deliver 3.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections — in a state where the total number of registered voters stands at about 2.7 million, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Questioning the Numbers

The statement, made at a recent political rally, has sparked criticism across Edo’s political and civic circles. Analysts and civil society observers have questioned the basis of the figures, describing them as “statistically impossible” and “politically misleading.”

INEC’s data from the 2023 general election shows that total voter turnout in Edo has never exceeded 600,000. This makes the 3.5 million projection not only implausible but a reflection of the widening gap between political rhetoric and electoral reality in the state.

Political observers say such claims highlight a troubling culture where politics prioritizes performance over policy, and optics over outcomes.

Governance or Grandstanding?

Critics argue that the current administration in Edo appears more focused on political mobilization than on addressing pressing developmental challenges such as unemployment, infrastructural decay, and insecurity.

Governor Okpebholo’s “City Boy Empowerment” initiative — often showcased at rallies — has been described by some as lacking a clear framework or measurable impact. While the governor’s supporters defend it as a “youth engagement effort,” independent policy experts insist that meaningful empowerment requires structured investment in education, skills, and enterprise support, not just symbolic events.

Edo’s Development Deficit

Edo State, once celebrated for visionary leaders such as Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and Prof. Ambrose Alli, now faces a growing public perception of drift and inconsistency in governance. Observers note that state resources are increasingly directed toward political entertainment rather than long-term reform.

Recent reports by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that unemployment and inflation remain significant concerns in the South-South region, with many Edo households struggling under rising living costs. Yet, critics argue, political energy is being spent on rallies and photo opportunities rather than policy solutions.

The Arithmetic of Credibility

To claim the ability to produce 3.5 million votes from fewer than 2.7 million registered voters, analysts say, insults both mathematics and logic. “It’s not just about numbers; it’s about credibility,” said a political analyst at the University of Benin. “When political leaders distort facts for applause, it erodes public trust and demeans governance.”

Restoring Seriousness to Edo Politics

Edo people are historically known for their intellectual rigor and civic engagement. From Chief Anthony Enahoro, who moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence, to Tony Anenih, known for political strategy and grassroots influence, Edo’s heritage demands leaders grounded in vision and substance.

Observers urge the Okpebholo administration to pivot from political showmanship to tangible reforms in infrastructure, education, and public accountability. The state, they argue, deserves governance that measures progress by data and delivery, not by the volume of campaign promises.

Conclusion

Edo’s political narrative need not be one of farce or tragedy. The call for 3.5 million votes may have been a rallying cry, but it also serves as a metaphor for the widening gulf between the performance of politics and the practice of governance.

Ultimately, the people of Edo will decide whether their leaders continue to trade in spectacle — or rise to the task of rebuilding trust, restoring vision, and returning truth to public service.