Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared the start of a statewide campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 reelection.
He made the announcement on Wednesday in Benin City while receiving Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Osamwonyi, who represents the Uhunmwonde constituency and sits on the House committee on budget and appropriation, was first welcomed by APC state chairman Jarrett Tenebe before being formally presented to the governor.
Welcoming the defector, Okpebholo praised Osamwonyi and four others who recently joined the APC, saying their move had strengthened the party’s unity.
He assured them of a supportive environment and encouraged collaboration to drive development across Edo State.
“We congratulate you on your return home,” Okpebholo said.
“Together, we will transform Edo and unlock the potential of areas like Uhunmwonde Local Government.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Okpebholo stated that the APC in Edo was already mobilising support for President Tinubu’s second term.
“The campaign has begun, and we are ready,” he declared, urging young people to get involved in the process.
APC chairman Tenebe, while presenting Osamwonyi, noted that the party now holds a majority in the state assembly, crediting the governor’s achievements for the recent wave of defections.
In his remarks, Osamwonyi cited persistent internal crises within the PDP as his reason for leaving, calling his return to the APC a “homecoming.” He commended the state government’s development projects, especially those targeting his constituency, and said aligning with the APC would help him better serve his people.