Edo Defends Yari’s Food Availability Claims, Says 2.5m Votes Possible for Tinubu in 2027
Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin City The Edo State government has defended the Director-General of Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council and former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, over his assertion that Nigerians
The Edo State government has stood by the assertion by Abdulaziz Yari, the former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council, regarding food availability in markets. Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, clarified that Yari was not denoting economic hardship but rather pointing out that food remains available in Nigerian markets, unlike in some foreign countries.
He emphasized that food affordability and availability are two distinct issues; while economic hardships have made it difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic food items, these commodities remain accessible through various markets. Afegbua suggested that consumers could acquire food at lower prices by purchasing directly from farmers and visiting local markets instead of depending solely on expensive supermarkets.
He also credited improved security for boosting agricultural activities in some communities, allowing farmers to resume production. Despite acknowledging ongoing economic difficulties, Afegbua defended Governor Monday Okpebholo's pledge to garner 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing it as an ambitious yet attainable goal driven by aggressive voter mobilization and the state government's development achievements.
He explained that Edo State’s growing voter population of 2.865 million made the target feasible. Afegbua maintained that the state government was committed to motivating, informing, and persuading voters to support Tinubu’s re-election, citing the administration’s investments in infrastructure and social development as reasons for endorsing the president for a second term.
He highlighted the state’s efforts in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors, asserting that increased federal allocations would encourage Edo voters to back Tinubu’s continued leadership. Afegbua cautioned that frequent government changes could hamper economic stability and the implementation of policies, emphasizing the importance of continuity in sustaining reforms.
He affirmed the state government’s dedication to delivering Edo State for Tinubu in the 2027 election and revealed that Governor Okpebholo would undertake a statewide tour of the 192 polling wards to rally support for the president before the election.
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