Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Blessing Albert, has threatened to evict any driver who does not wear an All Progressives Congress, APC-branded cap from motor parks in the locality.
DAILY POST reports that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, had during the swearing-in of commissioners in 2025 also issued a similar directive to the commissioners.
The local government chairman was seen in a viral video addressing commercial drivers during a visit to various motor parks in Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of the council.
Albert said he had gone round the parks to give what he described as a “standing warning” to the drivers over the issue.
While issuing the threat, he said anyone found wearing political materials not belonging to the APC would risk being removed from the park.
“On no account will I see any driver put on a cap or any material that does not belong to APC.
“Any driver who violates the directive will not benefit from the park and could be ordered to leave, regardless of his relationship with me,” he said.
Moments after issuing the threat, the council chairman was seen personally distributing APC-branded caps to the drivers to demonstrate the seriousness of his directive.
He specifically directed the drivers not to wear caps or any other materials belonging to political parties other than the APC.
Albert, however, linked the directive to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s political mobilisation efforts and the governor’s pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes from Edo State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He urged the drivers to support the President and the governor, arguing that the administration’s road projects had improved their businesses.
He said the improved roads had enabled commercial drivers to travel to places such as Onitsha and return to Edo State to continue their daily activities.
The chairman further urged the drivers to support the government, adding that they also had a responsibility to help fulfil the governor’s promise.
2027: Edo council chairman threatens to evict drivers without APC-branded caps