Davido’s logistics manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has expressed support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election, dismissing Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s promise to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu.
Afeare, an indigene of Edo State, said the state was unlikely to produce the number of votes promised by the governor, citing previous election results.
In a post on Instagram, the logistics manager argued that Nigerians should be allowed to freely choose their preferred presidential candidate.
He also expressed the view that northern leaders had performed better as presidents, declaring his intention to vote for Atiku.
“It is always far better when a Northern Nigerian rules. N15 trillion contract to one person alone? I’m voting for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,” he wrote.
Afeare further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that Nigerians could freely exercise their voting rights in the forthcoming election.
He also questioned the credibility of the 2.5 million-vote target set for Edo State, referencing the electoral performance of former governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole.
According to him, Oshiomhole’s popularity and electoral record did not translate into the number of votes being projected for the All Progressives Congress in the state.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Saturday, Afeare maintained that the governor’s pledge was unrealistic, adding that Atiku would be a better choice for president.
“I stand by the comment I made on Instagram. There is no way Edo can give 2.5 million votes to President Tinubu. General election results in the state have shown that only slightly above 500,000 people come out to vote,” he said.
He added that even if voter turnout increased, it would not mean that all votes cast would go to the ruling party.
“Even if the number of voters improves, 2.5 million people won’t vote and not all of those who vote will vote for the APC,” he added.
Okpebholo has repeatedly pledged to secure 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in Edo State ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The state chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, has also reiterated the target at campaign events and in media appearances.
The debate comes as political parties and their supporters begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
