From Moshood Karim
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has formally launched grassroots mobilisation efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential polls.
The announcement came during a reception held at the Edo State Government House in Benin City to welcome Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, who officially defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Osamwonyi, who represents Uhunmwonde State Constituency and serves on the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, was received into the APC fold by the State party chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, before being presented to the Governor.
Governor Okpebholo praised the defection as a major gain for the APC, noting that Osamwonyi is one of five lawmakers who have recently joined the party. He described the momentum as evidence of growing confidence in his administration and the APC’s governance.
“We welcome you back home. Your return strengthens our party and adds to our collective resolve to take Edo forward. With more defections expected, our party is growing stronger by the day. The political tide is turning in favour of the APC in Edo State,” the Governor said.
Reaffirming his commitment to local development, Okpebholo highlighted ongoing efforts to boost infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation across the State. He also underscored the strategic importance of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, pledging to open it up for significant development.
As part of his address, the Governor officially declared the commencement of his administration’s campaign for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, stating, “We have begun the mobilisation process. Here in Edo, we are fully prepared. The youths will play a key role, and I urge you to be at the forefront. Our future is tied to continuity and progress.”
Speaking at the ceremony, APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe expressed optimism over the party’s growing dominance in the State Assembly. “With Hon. Osamwonyi’s defection, we now hold the majority. This is a testament to the Governor’s impactful leadership in just a few months,” he said.
In his remarks, Hon. Osamwonyi cited internal wrangling within the PDP and the achievements of Governor Okpebholo as key reasons for his defection. “The division within the PDP, from the national to the ward level, pushed me to reconsider my political future. Returning to the APC is a move for the betterment of my constituents. I was drawn by the development projects already earmarked for Uhunmwonde,” he explained.
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