Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, accused unnamed politicians of regrouping against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. He made these remarks during the launch of the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road in Edo State, emphasizing that these political maneuvers were already underway. Okpebholo declared, “There is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” signaling his firm stance against any premature challenges to Tinubu’s presidency.

Okpebholo claimed these politicians previously opposed former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. He argued that they are now attempting to prevent Tinubu from securing a second term, drawing parallels between the two administrations. The governor stated, “People that want to contest now against Tinubu have all ruled in one way or the other, either in low capacity or in higher capacity,” suggesting that these individuals had already had their turn in power. He further warned prospective challengers not to waste their resources, implying that political loyalties could shift unpredictably.

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Political Allegations and Economic Defense

Okpebholo linked his argument to Jonathan’s administration, which lost to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. He claimed that some of those now opposed to Tinubu worked against Jonathan, particularly over the former president’s efforts to expand education for Almajiri children in northern Nigeria. “They fought former President Goodluck Jonathan because he wanted to build Almajiri schools,” Okpebholo said, highlighting Jonathan’s initiative to integrate Islamic and Western education. He added that these political forces ensured Jonathan’s electoral defeat, despite the construction of over 100 model schools under the Almajiri education program. Okpebholo’s assertion, however, remains his political assessment, as he did not name specific individuals involved.

Economic Reforms and Petrol Prices

The governor compared petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, stating that fuel in the UK costs about ₦3,000 per liter, while in Nigeria, it sells for around ₦1,400 per liter in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. He noted that he had personally verified these prices during a recent visit to London, emphasizing the favorable comparison for Nigerians.

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UK pump-price data supports this nominal comparison, with average prices at about £1.74 per liter, equivalent to over ₦3,000. In Nigeria, Reuters reported on September 21 that prices had reached approximately ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and up to ₦1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria, reflecting regional variations. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s latest published price figures cited in reports put petrol at about ₦1,385 per litre in Lagos and ₦1,430 in Abuja, although actual retail prices vary by location, influenced by global crude prices and Middle East tensions.

Political Metaphors and Future Challenges

Okpebholo introduced a metaphor, distinguishing Tinubu from “supermarket people,” though he did not specify whom he was referring to. “Our president is not a supermarket man, but supermarket people want to rule Nigeria now,” he said, urging them to wait for their turn. He elaborated, “Let them wait. When it is the turn of supermarket people, and if there is no technocrat, they can contest for president,” reinforcing his argument that Tinubu’s expertise as an economist was key for Nigeria’s current needs.