Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State announced Wednesday the commencement of mobilization efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement coincided with the formal reception of Mr. 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).
Osamwonyi, representing the Uhunmwonde constituency and serving on the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, was initially welcomed by APC State Chairman, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, before being officially presented to Governor Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City.
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Welcoming the lawmaker, Governor Okpebholo lauded Osamwonyi and other recent defectors for strengthening the APC’s position within the state. He assured them of a collaborative and supportive environment within the party, fostering development initiatives across Edo.
“We congratulate you on your return home. Your defection, along with four others, has made our party stronger and more united. A lot of people from other political parties are ready to join us. Very soon, it will be a carnival of defections.” Okpebholo stated.
The governor emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving development goals. “I seek your support to drive development. Together, we will transform Edo and improve the lives of our people. Uhunmwonde Local Government is very dear to me. Together, we can unlock its potential and attract meaningful growth and development,” he added.
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Turning his attention to the upcoming presidential election, Governor Okpebholo declared, “The 2027 presidential election is near. Here in Edo, we are ready. We have already kick-started our campaign for President Tinubu’s reelection.”
He also urged the youth to actively participate in the political process. “We must mobilize young people. You are part of that demographic, and I assure you that you’ll find fulfillment in the APC.”
APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, in presenting Osamwonyi, highlighted the significance of the defection, stating that “the party now holds a majority in the Edo Assembly. Osamwonyi joined us because of your administration’s impressive achievements in such a short time.”
Osamwonyi, in his own remarks, attributed his decision to defect to internal strife within the PDP. “The PDP’s internal crisis, from the national level down to the wards, pushed me to return to the APC. For me, it’s a homecoming. I was once a member of this great party,” he explained.
He also praised the current state government’s developmental initiatives, particularly those benefiting his constituency. “Several projects in the state budget for Uhunmwonde are commendable. I had to align with the APC to ensure progress for my people,” Osamwonyi concluded.
