BENIN CITY — Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has thrown a formal challenge to prominent Arise News anchors Rufai Oseni and Dr. Reuben Abati, inviting them to the state for a firsthand tour of his administration’s development projects.
The Governor extended the invitation on Wednesday, March 4, during a major defection rally in Benin City where thousands of opposition members from the PDP, Labour Party, and ADC officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Challenge to Media Critics
Visibly irritated by what he termed “constant criticism” from the Lagos-based media house, Okpebholo vowed to personally act as a tour guide for the duo to prove his administration’s impact.
“I want to use this opportunity to invite Oseni Rufai and Reuben Abati of Arise Television. I will also personally write them a letter,” the Governor told a cheering crowd. “I will drive them myself and take them from one project to another. By the time they spend two days in Edo State, they and their wives will vote for Asiwaju [Tinubu].”
Political Context & 2027 Ambitions
The Governor’s remarks were heavily laced with partisan confidence as he positioned Edo as a secure stronghold for the APC ahead of the next general election.
- The Tinubu Factor: Okpebholo claimed that the “practical governance” being witnessed in Edo is directly supported by President Bola Tinubu.
- Campaign Prediction: He expressed total confidence that after seeing the “tangible work” across the state, the vocal journalists would not only stop their criticism but would actively begin campaigning for the President’s 2027 re-election.
- Voter Target: The Governor further doubled down on his recent pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027, asserting that the opposition has lost all relevance in the state.
Rising Tensions
The invitation follows months of friction between the Governor and the Arise News team. In early 2025, Dr. Abati famously mocked the Governor on air for a public blunder involving the pronunciation of national honours, leading to a war of words between the Governor’s media team and the station.
As of Friday morning, Arise News has acknowledged the invitation on its official social media platforms, though a formal acceptance or a date for the visit has yet to be confirmed.
