In the political world where every word and action is meticulously scrutinized, a single misstatement can significantly impact public perception and alter the trajectory of a campaign. This reality is currently playing out in Edo State, Nigeria, where Senator Monday Okpebhelo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has found himself at the center of a growing controversy. During a recent campaign rally, Okpebhelo made an unfortunate slip of the tongue, pledging to provide “insecurity” if elected governor in the September 21 election. The statement, made in the presence of high-profile APC figures including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about Okpebhelo’s competence and suitability for office.
The incident occurred during a campaign rally at Ovia-north Local Government Area, where Okpebhelo was addressing a crowd of supporters. In a video shared widely on social media, Okpebhelo is seen reacting to concerns raised by Oshiomhole and other speakers about the security challenges facing the state. While attempting to assure the audience of his commitment to transforming Edo State, Okpebhelo misspoke, stating, “We’re going to provide you with insecurity.” This error, which Oshiomhole visibly reacted to, was quickly corrected, but the damage had already been done. The video rapidly went viral, prompting criticism and raising alarms about the candidate’s communication skills and general preparedness for the high office he seeks.
The response from various stakeholders was swift and unforgiving. Among the most vocal critics is The Edo Salvation Group (ESG), a prominent civic organization that monitors governance and leadership in the state. The ESG expressed grave concerns over the viral video, which they believe underscores deeper issues about Okpebhelo’s fitness for leadership. In a statement issued on Sunday, Imman Ekpe, the National Coordinator of the ESG, emphasized that the group was “seriously bothered” by the video and had taken the time to verify its authenticity. According to Ekpe, the ESG waited for days, anticipating a denial or clarification from Okpebhelo or his allies, including Oshiomhole. However, no such denial came, leading the group to conclude that the video was not doctored or fabricated.
“Like many people in the Edo State project, we were concerned about the video that showed the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebhelo, saying that he will provide insecurity to his listeners,” Ekpe stated. “Like many other stakeholders, we have watched and re-watched the video, seen the gesticulation of Senator Oshiomhole, and we are now fully convinced that the video was not a fabrication.” The group’s statement reflects a broader sense of disillusionment and frustration among Edo residents, who are seeking competent and reliable leadership to address the state’s many challenges, particularly in the area of security.
The ESG’s concerns extend beyond Okpebhelo’s unfortunate gaffe. They argue that the incident is part of a pattern of errors and misstatements that cast serious doubt on the candidate’s capacity to govern effectively. “We believe that this is a serious issue that must not be put aside and we truly believe that Senator Okpebhelo does not understand what he said,” Ekpe continued. “While we pardon him for his error, it also underscores the issues before the voters going into this election. It brings into question the capacity of the candidate who has made several other gaffes, including suggesting transformers as the complete answer to electricity.”
The reference to transformers alludes to another of Okpebhelo’s campaign blunders, where he simplistically proposed the provision of transformers as a solution to the state’s complex electricity challenges. For many critics, these repeated missteps reveal a lack of depth and understanding of the intricate issues that require nuanced and informed policy responses. “These gaffes clearly point to the fact that Senator Okpebhelo is not an option,” the ESG stated. “He will either be a dummy for Oshiomhole or truly provide Edo State with insecurity through his gaffes if he becomes governor due to his lack of capacity.”
The statement from the ESG encapsulates the growing unease among Edo voters, many of whom are grappling with the implications of Okpebhelo’s words. In a political environment where public trust in leaders is already tenuous, such misstatements can be deeply damaging, particularly when they touch on critical issues like security, which directly affect the lives of citizens. Edo State has long struggled with security challenges, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and communal conflicts. As such, the mere mention of “providing insecurity” hits a raw nerve and amplifies fears about the candidate’s understanding of the state’s needs.
The controversy also places Oshiomhole, a key figure in Edo politics and a staunch supporter of Okpebhelo, in a difficult position. As a former governor and current senator representing Edo North, Oshiomhole’s endorsement carries significant weight. However, his visible reaction to Okpebhelo’s gaffe, coupled with the absence of any public defense or clarification, has fueled speculation about the dynamics within the APC campaign. Critics argue that Oshiomhole’s reluctance to address the issue head-on suggests either an attempt to downplay the incident or a deeper recognition of the candidate’s flaws.
The ESG has demanded that Okpebhelo address the public directly and clarify his statements. “In the light of this, we painfully ask Senator Okpebhelo to within 24 hours go on television to explain what he meant by providing insecurity or we would come out to openly disclaim him as a candidate fit for office,” the group stated. This ultimatum reflects the ESG’s broader mission to hold political leaders accountable and ensure that candidates seeking public office are transparent and competent.
The call for Okpebhelo to make a public clarification is not merely about addressing the gaffe; it is also a test of his ability to own up to mistakes and demonstrate accountability—qualities that are crucial for any leader, especially in a volatile political climate. How Okpebhelo responds to this demand will likely shape public perception of his candidacy in the final weeks leading up to the election. For voters, it is not just about a single misstatement but about what the incident reveals about the broader attributes of the candidate, including his communication skills, understanding of governance issues, and overall readiness to lead.
Political analysts argue that while verbal slips are not uncommon in high-pressure campaigns, the context and content of such errors matter significantly. Insecurity is a deeply personal and immediate concern for many Nigerians, and any suggestion, even inadvertent, that a potential leader does not grasp the gravity of this issue can be politically devastating. For Okpebhelo, the fallout from this incident is compounded by a series of previous miscommunications that have painted a picture of a candidate who is either ill-prepared or disconnected from the realities facing the electorate.
For Okpebhelo, the road to the governorship has been significantly complicated by this latest controversy. Whether he can recover from this setback will depend largely on his willingness to engage openly with voters, clarify his intentions, and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. As the ESG and other stakeholders continue to push for accountability, the candidate’s response—or lack thereof—will be a critical factor in shaping the outcome of the September 21 election.
SOURCES
- https://dailytrust.com/edo-okpebhelo-given-24-hours-to-explain-promise-of-providing-insecurity/
- https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/09/08/group-gives-okpebholo-ultimatum-to-explain-promise-to-provide-edo-with-insecurity/
