They Never Saw Okpebholo Coming: The Rise of Edo’s Unstoppable Political Force

They Never Saw Okpebholo Coming: The Rise of Edo’s Unstoppable Political Force

Dem never see me comin’ (joor-joor, joor-joor)
Hmm-mm, comin’ (l’Eko)
Mo gbe wan ni “is coming” (ii-yeah-yeah, oh-yoh)
Naija boy wey dey go foreign (wey go foreign)
— Bandana by Asake and Fireboy DML

The Edo elections have undoubtedly been the talk of the federation. From the glitz and glamour to the ruffle and tumble, it has been quite amusing and trendy, with both propaganda and facts flying around. But as we reach the final stretch before the polls, one thing has become clear: they never saw Okpebholo coming.

Much like the lyrics of Bandana—“Low-key, all of them don dey notice, I’m not joking”—Senator Monday Okpebholo has quietly but surely risen through the ranks. His journey has not been one of loud proclamations or flashy campaigns, but rather one of dedication, learning, and persistence.

Since the return to democracy in 1999, the senator has been under the mentorship of the legendary Late Chief Anthony Anenih, the PDP patriarch who shaped Nigerian politics. He was, as they say, a Naija boy wey dey go foreign—starting local, now playing in the big leagues.

Senator Monday studied like an apprentice, absorbing the political mastery of Chief Anenih, learning the intricacies of power dynamics and governance. “They never saw him coming,” much like in the song, where the rise is slow but unstoppable. Today, he stands as a homegrown leader, representing both Edo’s grassroots and a broader vision for the state.

Okpebholo is the APC’s first candidate to win the Edo Central Senatorial District since 1999—a district that has been the PDP’s stronghold for years. While some may argue that internal disputes within the PDP contributed to this victory, the reality is that Okpebholo’s success has only grown. Even Chief Dan Orbih and other key PDP legacy members who once controlled the district are now fully behind Okpebholo’s governorship campaign—having crossed over to the APC. Just like in Bandana, where “low-key, all of them don dey notice,” Okpebholo’s rise has caught everyone off-guard, his momentum undeniable.

Endorsements from former PDP heavyweights such as Hon Omosede Igbinedion and Rt Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama from Edo South, Engr Moses Omo-Ikirodah from Edo North, and the critical backing of Chief Dan Orbih, the PDP South South leader, as well as Joefel from Edo Central, who have all switched allegiances to the APC, highlight the magnitude of his governorship bid. These widespread endorsements merely add to the story of a guy whose success is no longer a rumor—mo gbe wan ni “is coming.”

Since the 2000s, Okpebholo has kept it low-key but never lonely—always committed to his people, showing them love, and building a legacy of integrity. The APC is now more united than ever, and with Okpebholo at the helm, Edo is poised for a new era of leadership. He’s a man who embodies humility, compassion, and a relentless drive to work for the people.

As we approach the election, it’s clear that a new Edo is rising. Just like the Bandana song’s message of quiet resilience and ultimate success, they never saw Okpebholo coming, but he’s here, and he’s ready to go the distance. Indeed, Naija boy wey dey go foreign, wey go foreign.

I’m sure you’ll love this song—it’s my top pick for the week! Put it on repeat, grab your headphones, and enjoy the vibe.

“Low-key..All of them don dey notice
I’m not joking…All my guys dem, dem know me
Since ’06…I’ve been writin’ this story
I no be OG…But, if you ask dem, dem know me”

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.