Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has mocked opposition politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing them as “supermarket people” and insisting that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.
Okpebholo spoke during the flag-off of the Federal Government’s palliative rehabilitation of the Benin-Asaba Road, where he discussed the 2027 general election and Tinubu’s administration.
The governor said those aspiring to replace Tinubu should wait for their turn, arguing that the President should be allowed to complete two terms in office.
«“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 added that political aspirants could contest when their time comes, particularly if no technocrat is available to seek the presidency.
Okpebholo also criticised politicians who, according to him, had previously occupied public offices but are now preparing to challenge Tinubu.
The governor further alleged that some of those opposed to Tinubu were among politicians who worked against former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 presidential election.
He claimed that the politicians had opposed Jonathan’s proposed Almajiri schools programme, which he said was intended to provide education and address challenges associated with the Almajiri system.
According to Okpebholo, the same political actors are now regrouping against Tinubu ahead of 2027.
“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.
The governor did not identify the politicians he was referring to.
Okpebholo also advised politicians planning to contest against Tinubu not to waste their resources, alleging that some politicians could collect money from aspirants without ultimately supporting them at the polls.
His remarks come amid preparations by political parties and potential presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
