The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has sparked widespread reactions after declaring that the seat of power in Nigeria’s presidential villa, Aso Rock, is not vacant and will not be available to political contenders, regardless of the nation’s challenges.

The governor made the remark while addressing a gathering in Benin City, where he spoke on political stability, governance, and the need for unity amid growing security concerns in parts of the country.

According to him, political competition for the presidency should not be driven by desperation or crisis narratives, insisting that Nigeria’s leadership structure remains firmly established