By Stella Okoh-Esene
The inaugural Regional Meeting of the All Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) held in Benin City wasn’t just a political gathering, it was a strategic statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, signaling his rising influence within the APC and across the South South.
By successfully hosting over 20 APC governors, Okpebholo positioned Edo State as a new power hub in a region traditionally dominated by opposition forces. It wasn’t just about hospitality; it was about leadership, coordination, and optics. The message was clear, Edo is back at the center of national politics, and Okpebholo is pulling the strings.
More than a logistics triumph, the event showcased Okpebholo’s ability to manage alliances and present Edo as a model for development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. His political capital is growing, not just within the state, but across the national stage.
As the APC aligns its forces for 2027, Okpebholo’s influence in the oil-rich South South could prove pivotal. He stands out as a unifier, a strategist, and a host who commanded national attention—quietly, but effectively.
Observers note that Okpebholo’s emergence is timely for a party seeking regional balance and deeper grassroots penetration. His political acumen, backed by growing popularity and administrative competence, positions him as a crucial bridge between the APC national leadership and the South South electorate.
In a political climate where perception often defines power, Governor Okpebholo has crafted a compelling image not of noise, but of nuance; not of ambition, but of readiness. The PGF meeting may be over, but its echoes will linger into 2027 and beyond.