Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has officially launched the campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The announcement came during a meeting at the Government House in Benin City, where Okpebholo received Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) who recently defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hon. Osamwonyi, representing the Uhunmwonde State Constituency and serving as a member of the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, had earlier been introduced to the Governor by Jarrett Tenebe, the Chairman of the APC Edo State chapter.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his appreciation for Hon. Osamwonyi’s decision to join the APC, alongside other defectors. He emphasized that his administration would continue to foster an inclusive environment for political collaboration and ensure the development of the state. “Your decision to join the APC is a significant boost for our party. We now have five new members who have come on board, and their inclusion strengthens us,” Okpebholo said.
He further reiterated that his government was committed to driving development across all sectors of Edo’s economy. “We are working hard to improve the lives of the people of Edo State. With your support, we will continue to advance our developmental projects and make Edo a better place for all,” the governor added.
The governor also touched on the importance of the Uhunmwonde Local Government area, highlighting his personal commitment to its growth and development. “Uhunmwonde is very special to me. Together, we will unlock its full potential and create new opportunities for progress,” Okpebholo stated.
He then turned his attention to the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing that the APC in Edo State had already commenced preparations for a vigorous campaign in support of President Tinubu’s re-election. “We are ready for the 2027 elections. We have begun our campaigns in Edo State, and it’s time to mobilize our youth. We have a responsibility to the future of this state and our country,” the governor said. “You, Hon. Osamwonyi, represent the younger generation of leaders, and I assure you that joining our party will be a rewarding experience.”
Jarrett Tenebe, the APC Chairman in Edo State, also praised the growing influence of the party within the state, noting that the APC now holds the majority in the Edo State House of Assembly. “With the addition of Hon. Osamwonyi, we now have a strong majority in the House, which will help us drive more positive change for the people of Edo,” Tenebe said.
In response, Hon. Osamwonyi explained that his decision to leave the PDP was driven by internal divisions within the party, which he felt undermined its effectiveness. “The disunity within the PDP, from the national level down to the grassroots, led me to join the APC. This is a homecoming for me, as I was once a member of the APC. Governor Okpebholo’s outstanding achievements in such a short period convinced me that this is the right platform for me to work for the development of my people,” Osamwonyi stated.
He also expressed his admiration for the various development projects in Uhunmwonde, many of which were included in the state’s budget. “The projects planned for Uhunmwonde are impressive, and they reflect the governor’s commitment to our people’s welfare. This was a key factor in my decision to join the APC,” he concluded.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and the growing influence of the APC in Edo State signal a promising political landscape for the ruling party in the coming years.
