Edo PDP Slams Okpebholo For Launching Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have clashed over the governor’s declaration of support and early campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
On April 9, Okpebholo hosted Kaycee Osamwonyi, a defecting PDP member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Uhunmwonde Constituency, at the Government House in Benin, where the governor revealed that he and his allies had begun mobilising for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Reacting, the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, criticised the move as a constitutional violation.
“We read with concern and disappointment, the reckless statement by Senator Monday Okpebholo, where he declared to have kick-started the campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, in his continuous scheming to hoodwink the President and the leadership of the APC.
“We want to unequivocally state that his (Edo governor’s) comments and actions are in direct contravention of Section 94 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which explicitly states that the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before that day.
“It is troubling and deeply embarrassing that Okpebholo, who should be a custodian of the rule of law, is kicking off campaigns nearly two years ahead of the legally allowed period. This is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent for abuse of power and disrespect for our Constitution and constitutional democracy.
“Even more laughable is Okpebholo’s boastful claim that he would deliver Edo State to President Tinubu in 2027. This is the same man who could not secure a victory for himself during the September 21, 2024 governorship election, who lost convincingly at the poll, and has since then, along with his allies, been fighting tooth and nail, resorting to all sorts of illegalities and machinations to suppress the truth and sustain the electoral heist.”
The party accused Okpebholo of using his support for Tinubu as a ploy to gain favour from the presidency and deflect attention from his political troubles.
“We sincerely hope President Tinubu will not fall for these deceitful gimmicks and baseless assurances. If the President hopes to win Edo State in 2027, he cannot rely on Okpebholo and the Edo APC leadership, as they lack the capacity to deliver Edo to him.
“We call on the relevant authorities, especially those tasked with upholding our constitution and the rule of law, to take note of this gross violation and invoke the appropriate sanctions as enshrined in our Constitution.”
Edo PDP insisted that no one, regardless of position, should be allowed to break the law and escape consequences.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, responded, dismissing the PDP’s criticism as baseless.
“A weak statement credited to the factional Edo State Chapter of the PDP, wherein the once-vibrant party attempted, albeit feebly, to misinterpret a patriotic remark made by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, concerning his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, surfaced on Friday.
“Let it be categorically stated that Governor Okpebholo has at no time violated any section of the Electoral Act, including Section 94 (1), as falsely alleged by the Edo factional PDP. Edo governor, like every well-meaning Nigerian, reserves the right to express support for President Tinubu’s vision and administration.
“It is laughable that the Edo PDP, in its desperation to stay relevant, has now resorted to twisting every statement from the governor to score cheap political points. Governor Okpebholo’s statement was made in the context of strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government for the development of Edo State. Besides, Governor Okpebholo reserves the right to kick-start the re-election campaign for President Tinubu without apologies.”
He added that the PDP’s reaction only confirmed its growing irrelevance.
“Rather than issue press statements riddled with inaccuracies and political bitterness, the Edo PDP should take time to reflect on the massive goodwill Governor Okpebholo enjoys across party lines and among the people of Edo State who are already witnessing a breath of fresh air in governance.
“If Governor Okpebholo opts for an open re-election campaign for President Tinubu, it is within his rights. Unfortunately, what now exists in the infamous PDP is a political party in disarray, struggling to reclaim lost relevance by grasping at straws.”
Itua further assured that the people of Edo State were wise to the political tactics and fully supportive of the governor’s developmental strides.
“Okpebholo was focused on delivering on his mandate, restoring public confidence in governance, and bringing Edo back to the path of peace, prosperity, and progress,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
