Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed support for the proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits put forward by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Oshiomhole said the proposed measure is necessary to address the growing security challenges in the state, insisting that criminal elements should have no place in Edo.

The former governor made the remarks on Saturday while addressing party supporters during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the Edo North Senatorial District local government elections at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

His comments were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Governor Okpebholo's media aide, Patrick Ebojele.

According to Oshiomhole, the restoration of civil liberties under the current administration means that only those involved in criminal activities should be concerned about the government's actions.

"I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State that we are in a federation where every state has the right to enact laws on punishment when it comes to state offences. So kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad," he said.

The senator also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that such a system would complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling insecurity across the country.

Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving the welfare of Edo residents through ongoing development projects.

He listed road construction, school rehabilitation and market development among the major infrastructure projects being executed by his government.

"We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state, including roads, schools, markets and others. These achievements were not there in the past, but this administration has made them possible," the governor said.

Okpebholo also praised President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said has increased the financial resources available to state governments.

"The removal of fuel subsidy has provided more funds for governors across the country to develop their states. This is the money we are using as a government to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other infrastructure projects," he stated.

The governor described the campaign flag-off as an opportunity to formally present the APC's chairmanship and councillorship candidates to voters ahead of next month's local government elections.

He urged party members and supporters to mobilise for the polls and work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Okpebholo also commended the completion of rehabilitation work on the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, describing it as one of the key achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, urged APC candidates to prioritise grassroots development if elected, stressing the need to ensure that residents across Edo State's 18 local government areas benefit from democratic governance.

"This election is a major step towards the 2027 general election in the country. I thank the leadership of the party for building a strong party in Edo State," Momoh said.

The APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, charged the party's candidates to emulate the state's founding leaders by focusing on development and quality service delivery at the grassroots.

He described local government administration as the closest tier of government to the people and encouraged council chairmen to work closely with Governor Okpebholo in extending the administration's development agenda across the state.

Among those present at the campaign flag-off were Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh and other senior government officials, who rallied support for the party's candidates ahead of the local government elections.