A political commentator and former Edo-State-Commissioner-for-Communication-and-Orientation-Mr.-Chris-Osa-Nehikhare, Chris Osa Nehikhare, has argued that worsening insecurity across Edo State could significantly undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of securing substantial electoral support in the state ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a strongly worded critique titled “Insecurity and the Betrayal of Edo People,” the he contends that the federal government under President Tinubu has failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, with Edo State bearing a disproportionate burden of the consequences.
According to him, insecurity in Edo has moved from being a distant national issue to a daily lived reality for residents, affecting farming, trade, travel and religious activities.
“The Benin–Auchi–Lokoja road, once a major economic artery linking Edo to other parts of the country, is described as having become a “corridor of fear,” plagued by frequent kidnappings and armed attacks.
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He noted that commuters, traders, students and civil servants now travel the route with constant anxiety, while kidnapping for ransom has become so frequent that it is discussed as a routine occurrence.
“Rural communities across Esanland, Owan, and parts of Edo North and Edo South are said to be abandoning farmlands, not due to poor yields, but because of the high risk of abduction or death.
Nehikhare further argues that the prevailing insecurity has had severe economic consequences. Farming activities have declined, transport costs have risen due to added security risks, markets reportedly shut earlier than usual, and potential investors are said to be quietly avoiding the state.
“For a state known for enterprise and resilience, this level of regression is not accidental; it is the direct result of federal failure,” the writer asserted.
Against this backdrop, the analyst questioned calls for Edo voters to deliver massive electoral support for President Tinubu in 2027, describing such expectations as ironic in the face of unresolved security challenges.
The piece criticises what it describes as the absence of a tailored federal strategy to address highway kidnappings, secure farmlands, or ensure accountability for repeated intelligence failures.
Instead, it points to what it calls generic assurances, periodic reshuffling of security personnel, and statements that problems are “being addressed,” without tangible improvements on the ground.
The writer also raised concerns over the growing reliance on vigilantes and informal community security arrangements, describing it as a troubling sign of declining public confidence in federal protection.
“History shows that when citizens no longer trust the state to protect them, the foundations of national unity begin to crack,” the commentary warned.
Emphasising that Edo people should not be treated merely as electoral statistics, the writer argued that political loyalty cannot substitute for effective governance. According to the critique, a president who cannot guarantee security on Edo roads, farms and communities has “no credible claim” to the state’s votes.
The commentator concluded that re-electing President Tinubu would amount to endorsing a system in which insecurity is normalised and citizens are expected to adapt to failure rather than demand better governance.
On the issue of insecurity alone, the writer claimed, President Tinubu would struggle to secure even 25,000 legitimate votes in Edo State.