Governor Okpebholo launches 2027 re-election campaign for President Tinubu in Edo State

• Governor Monday Okpebholo has launched the 2027 re-election campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Edo State
• Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi defected from the PDP to APC, joining the governor’s political vision for development and progress
• The APC now holds a majority in the Edo State House of Assembly, with a focus on youth engagement and continued state development

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has kicked off his campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

He made this known while receiving Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly who defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of President Tinubu's second term, emphasising his administration’s efforts to drive development across Edo.

Osamwonyi, representing the Uhunmwonde Constituency, was welcomed into the APC fold by the party's state chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, before being presented to the governor.

Governor Okpebholo, while acknowledging the defection of Osamwonyi and other lawmakers, expressed his confidence that the influx of new members would strengthen the APC in the state. He praised the lawmaker's decision as a sign of the growing trust in his leadership and the achievements of his administration in the short time since he assumed office.

He said: “We congratulate you for returning home. Your coming is a plus for the party as we have five of you who have joined, and you have made our party stronger.”

“A lot of people from other political parties are ready to join our party, and soon there will be a carnival. I seek your help to drive development, and together, we will develop the State and make life better for our people.

“Uhunmwonde Local Government is very special to me, and together we can develop the area and open it for growth and development.

“The next election, especially 2027 presidential election, we are ready in Edo State. We have kick-started our own campaigns for the President in 2027.

“We have to mobilise the youths in our state, and you are part of the youth. I promise you that you will enjoy our party as you have chosen to join us,”

Hon. Osamwonyi, who had previously been a member of the APC, cited internal divisions within the PDP as a driving force behind his defection. 

He highlighted the significant developmental strides made by Governor Okpebholo, especially in his constituency, which was key to his decision to return to the APC fold. 

“The division in my party, the PDP, made me join the APC. For me, it is homecoming as I was once in the APC. Your developmental strides attracted me back home as I want the best for my people.

“The several projects captured in the budget for Uhunmwonde people is impressive. I had no choice but to join the party for the development of my people,” Osamwonyi said.

Edo Governor Okpebholo pledges compensation for families of Uromi victims

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, pledged full compensation to the families of the 16 hunters killed in Uromi and assured them of the government's support during this tragic time. 

The governor made this promise on Monday, March 31, during a condolence visit to Torankawa village in Bunkure Local Government Area, accompanied by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other high-ranking dignitaries.