Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State said on Wednesday that the campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 had started in the state.
Governor Okpebholo stated this when he received another member of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), who defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defector and member, House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, Kaycee Osamwonyi, represents Uhunmwonde state constituency. He had earlier been received into the party by the state’s chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who then presented him to the governor at the Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo commended Osamwonyi and his colleagues who decided to join the APC and assured them that his administration would create a conducive atmosphere for all of them to operate and collaborate to develop the state. He noted that his administration had taken giant strides to develop all sectors of the Edo economy and would make life better for the people.
“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,” he said.
Tenebe, while presenting Osamwonyi to the governor, noted that with APC now in majority in the House, the party had taken full control.
According to him, “Hon. Osamwonyi joined the party following the developmental strides your administration has achieved in the few months you have led the state”.
Osamwonyi on his part, said his decision to join the party was because of the disunity in his former party, the PDP, from the national to the unit level, as well as the achievements of Governor Okpebholo in a very short time in office.
“The division in my party, the PDP, made me join the APC. For me, it is homecoming as I was once in 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,” he said.