Okpebolo Ready to deliver 2.5m votes to Tinubu grants Amnesty to over 500 Cultists

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo is making headlines over two major developments: his pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election and the state government’s decision to grant amnesty to more than 500 repentant cultists who publicly renounced their membership of cult groups.

Okpebholo has repeatedly expressed confidence that Edo State can deliver the promised votes for Tinubu, linking his target to ongoing development projects and the APC’s grassroots political activities. He has also urged local government leaders to work towards achieving the target ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, on October 12, 2026, more than 500 members of various cult groups reportedly renounced cultism during a ceremony organised by the Edo State Special Security Squad in Benin City. The state government granted the repentant participants amnesty as part of efforts to address cult-related violence and improve security.

At the ceremony, Okpebholo warned that his administration would not tolerate criminality, including cultism and kidnapping, and said that nobody would be above the law.

The two developments have raised questions about political promises, public security and the government’s approach to rehabilitation and accountability. While the governor is seeking a huge electoral mandate for Tinubu, his administration is also pursuing measures intended to persuade cult members to abandon criminal groups.

What does Okpebholo’s 2.5 million-vote target mean for Edo’s 2027 political landscape? Can amnesty and rehabilitation help reduce cult-related violence while ensuring accountability for serious crimes?

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