A political row has erupted in Edo State following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent remarks suggesting the commencement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development has drawn sharp criticism from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, which described the governor’s comments as reckless and in violation of the Electoral Act.
Governor Okpebholo made the controversial statement on Wednesday while receiving a defecting lawmaker, Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, who crossed over from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). During the brief ceremony, Okpebholo declared that the re-election bid for President Tinubu had effectively begun in Edo, sparking an immediate response from the opposition.
Reacting, the PDP, through its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, condemned the governor’s remarks, insisting they breach the legal framework guiding electioneering in Nigeria. Nehikhare referenced Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that campaigns by political parties are only permitted to begin 150 days before the election date and must end 24 hours before polls open.
In a strongly worded statement, the PDP expressed disappointment in the governor’s conduct, describing it as an affront to the rule of law and a dangerous attempt to curry political favour.
“We read with concern and disappointment the reckless statement by Governor Okpebholo, where he declared the start of President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027. His continuous scheming to gain political mileage by appealing to the Presidency and APC leadership is unacceptable,” the statement read.
“This is a clear violation of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. It is troubling and deeply embarrassing that a sitting governor would act in flagrant disregard of the law. Launching a re-election campaign nearly two years before the allowed period is not only illegal but sets a terrible precedent in our constitutional democracy,” Nehikhare added.
In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, defended Okpebholo, accusing the PDP of deliberately misrepresenting the governor’s comments for political gain. According to him, at no point did the governor engage in formal political campaigning that would constitute a breach of electoral law.
“Governor Okpebholo has not, at any time, violated the provisions of the Electoral Act, including Section 94(1). His remarks were wrongly interpreted by a factional PDP desperate for political relevance. The governor merely expressed his unwavering support for President Tinubu and his administration’s policies—a right every citizen holds,” Itua clarified.
He further noted that the governor’s statements were made in the context of fostering closer ties with the Federal Government to ensure Edo State benefits from national development efforts.
“The attempt by the PDP to frame this as a campaign launch is both laughable and baseless. Governor Okpebholo is focused on strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government for the growth of Edo State. His support for President Tinubu does not translate to a breach of the Electoral Act,” he added.
The clash adds to the growing political tension in Edo as parties begin subtle posturing ahead of the next election cycle. While the PDP continues to accuse the ruling APC of undermining democratic processes, the state government insists that it remains within legal bounds in all its political expressions.
