Activist Aisha Yesufu reacts to trending video of Edo State Gov.

Activist Aisha Yesufu Responds to Controversial Statement by Edo State Governor. Edo State, Nigeria — Activist Aisha Yesufu has voiced her criticism of the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, after a video surfaced in which he attributed the state's funding for various projects to President Bola Tinubu. The controversial remarks were made during a political rally in Edo on Friday, July 18, 2025, sparking a wave of reactions across social media.

Governor Okpebholo, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the comment while addressing a crowd at the rally, praising the president's role in funding state projects. According to Okpebholo, all of the funds used to finance ongoing developments in Edo State are directly provided by President Tinubu.

Governor Okpebholo's Statement

While speaking to the gathering, Okpebholo told the audience: "Let us follow the man that knows the road. Asiwaju (Tinubu) is doing well for Nigeria. We are not campaigning, but we are telling our people the truth. Asiwaju has done well. Everything you are seeing that we are doing in Edo today, who is giving me money? Who is giving me money?" To this, the crowd responded with a chant of "Asiwaju," affirming the governor's praise for the president.

The comment was immediately controversial, with critics suggesting that Okpebholo's statement undermined the governance and financial autonomy of Edo State. Many found the claim concerning, questioning whether the state government was fully transparent about its own sources of funding and financial management.

Aisha Yesufu's Reaction

In response to the video, Aisha Yesufu, a prominent activist from Edo State, took to social media to voice her displeasure. Yesufu, known for her outspoken stance on political matters, criticized the governor's remarks, labeling them as "disappointing" and reflective of a leadership that "lacks independence."

In a post shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Yesufu described the governor's statement as an indication of political submission to the president, implying that it showed a lack of governance vision for Edo State.

Yesufu's Critique of Political Dependence

Yesufu's reaction resonates with a growing public sentiment that suggests regional leaders should exercise greater autonomy rather than attributing their success solely to the federal government. Her criticism comes at a time when many Nigerians are questioning the centralization of power and resources in the hands of the federal government, fearing that this could hinder the development and growth of individual states.

By calling out Okpebholo, Yesufu joins the chorus of political observers who have raised concerns over the APC's influence in various state-level affairs, especially as the 2025 general elections approach. Her comment reflects ongoing debates about the true source of state funding and the relationship between federal and state governments in Nigeria.

Public Reaction and Debate

The video quickly went viral, sparking debates on social media and in political circles across the country. Many supporters of the opposition have argued that the governor's statement underscores a lack of accountability in the management of state funds. Others have expressed concern about the potential for patronage politics if state governors appear overly reliant on the federal government.

While some APC supporters have defended Okpebholo, citing that the federal government has been instrumental in funding critical infrastructure projects, critics have warned that such statements could weaken state autonomy and tarnish the credibility of Edo's leadership.

Conclusion: A Divisive Moment for Edo Politics

As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2025 elections, Governor Okpebholo's remarks about President Tinubu's involvement in funding Edo State's projects have ignited a new chapter in the ongoing debate about the nature of state-federal relations. For Aisha Yesufu, and many others, the remarks reveal a worrying trend of political dependence that they believe should not be normalized.

The fallout from this incident will likely continue to unfold, with heightened scrutiny on Edo State's leadership and its relationship with the federal government. Whether this controversy will have lasting effects on the APC's chances in Edo State remains to be seen, but it has certainly added another layer to the political dynamics in the run-up to the 2025 elections.