Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday marked his first anniversary in office with a robust defense of his administration’s record, declaring that security has been restored, healthcare revived, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) firmly positioned to dominate the 2027 elections.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, the governor said the return of vibrant nightlife in Benin City, after years of gang violence and curfew, is the clearest evidence that his administration has crushed criminal elements in the state.

“We warned them. They tested us. We acted decisively,” Governor Okpebholo said, confirming that several criminal hideouts have been demolished and key suspects arrested.

He disclosed that kidnapping incidents have dropped sharply, with the state recording three consecutive weeks of significantly reduced crime. Over 300 newly trained vigilante operatives, he added, have been deployed across communities as part of a broader security overhaul.

“Edo is not a place for criminals,” the governor declared, reiterating his strong advocacy for the establishment of state police, which he described as “the future of Nigeria’s security architecture”.

Turning to healthcare, Governor Okpebholo described the sector he inherited as “comatose” but said his administration has renovated more than 80 primary healthcare centres across the 18 local government areas. Newly recruited doctors and nurses have been posted to these facilities, with improved salaries ensuring staff retention.

He recounted how a former deputy governor personally called to thank him after the man’s mother’s community received its first resident doctor in decades.

On infrastructure and transportation, the governor highlighted the resuscitation of the state-owned Edo Line transport company, now bolstered by 50 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, in addition to 100 buses earlier delivered.

Politically, Governor Okpebholo expressed unshakeable confidence in the APC’s prospects in 2027, insisting the party remains “the one to beat” in Edo State.

“We promised 2.5 million votes, and we are not joking,” he said, crediting President Bola Tinubu’s support for the growing popularity of the APC across the state.

He cited ongoing flyover projects at Ramat Park and Adesuwa Junction, as well as the expansion of the Sapele Road network, as tangible proof that performance, rather than propaganda, will determine the next election.

Wrapping up the nearly one-hour interaction, Governor Okpebholo told reporters: “Edo people trusted me to deliver. I will not betray that trust.”