Tensions flared in Edo State over Governor Monday Okpebholo’s declaration to begin campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, drawing sharp criticism from the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor made the statement during the defection ceremony of Kaycee Osamwonyi, a former PDP member of the Edo House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting swiftly, the Edo PDP described the comment as “reckless” and “a violation of the Electoral Act.” In a statement, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said:
“We want to unequivocally state that his comments and actions are in direct contravention of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022… This is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent for abuse of power and disrespect for our Constitution.”
The section cited by the PDP clearly states that public campaigns must not begin more than 150 days before the election date.
However, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP’s allegations, accusing them of deliberate misinterpretation.
“Let it be categorically stated that Governor Okpebholo has at no time violated any section of the Electoral Act,” Itua said in a statement. “The Governor, like every well-meaning Nigerian, reserves the right to express support for the President’s vision and administration.”
He added that the governor’s comment was not a formal campaign launch but a show of political alignment with the Federal Government.
“It is laughable that the Edo PDP… has now resorted to twisting every statement from the Governor to score cheap political points,” he added.
