Benin City, Edo State — A former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, has declared that the planned coalition aimed at challenging the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not succeed.

 

Speaking during his 68th birthday celebration in Benin City, Odubu asserted that there is no credible threat to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, either at the federal or state level.

 

“There is no coalition,” Odubu said. “It is good to have dissenting voices, no doubt, but today in Nigeria, APC is the dominant party. There is no threat at all. The challenge is how to manage the growing support base, especially with the influx of defectors. If we do that well, there will be no problem.”

 

Reflecting on his personal goals, he noted:

 

“My future plan is to remain relevant, keep serving the people, and help them choose leaders who will serve them well. It doesn’t have to be me, but the right person — a servant, not a ruler. When you have time for the people, they will have time for you.”

 

 

 

Odubu also praised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as an impressive start in office.

 

“He has started very well, and my prayer is that God will give him the grace to finish well. With the current pace, there’s nothing but excellence ahead,” he said.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, lauded Odubu’s humility and enduring influence, describing him as “a man of candour” who enjoys broad goodwill.

 

“We are grateful to have a leader like him. On behalf of my family, I wish him many more fulfilling years,” Osagie added.

 

 

 

Dignitaries present at the occasion included former Deputy Governor Rev. Peter Obadan, PDP chieftain Owere Dickson Imasogie, former Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Taiwo Akerele, Hon. Razaq Bello-Osagie, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, among others.