Aghahowa Collins, an aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has stirred controversy online after vowing that only campaign materials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be allowed across the state during the 2027 general elections.
In a video making the rounds on social media, Collins boldly declared that any individual or group that attempts to promote another political party will “learn a new lesson.”
He claimed that Edo is now an APC-controlled state, and as such, political branding must reflect the ruling party alone.
“In 2027, if we see any other political party’s banner or poster that is not APC, the person on it and the person who posted it will learn a new lesson. Edo is APC state and everything has to be APC,” Collins warned in the video.
He went further to accuse the previous administration led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki of doing the same to APC materials during the 2023 elections, including those of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the APC would be taking a similar approach ahead of the next polls to maintain its dominance.
His statement has been met with backlash, with many Nigerians calling it undemocratic and a threat to free political expression in a multi-party system. Critics say such rhetoric undermines electoral fairness and may escalate political tension in the state ahead of 2027.
Read some netizens’ reactions below;
kingsharonstone: “This Man should be arrested immediately”
strithustla: “2027 use one hand hold your voters card then use the other hand hold your cutlass anybody wey no count our vote we go count dat person”
engr.chidera: “We can only listen to you if you drop your house address or location please”
verah_obi: “I pity his wife and family members man that talk too much ”
baronkingsley: “APC and politics of intimidation is 5 and 6. Roguish tendecies”
As of the time of this report, the Edo State Government has not issued an official response regarding the aide’s remarks.