Governor Monday Okpehbolo’s announcement to launch President Bola Tinubu’s reelection campaign has sparked a verbal spat between the Edo State administration and the Peoples Democratic Party.
When he welcomed Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly who had defected from the PDP to the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, Okpebholo made the announcement.
In a statement released on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the Edo PDP, however, expressed disappointment in Okpebholo and called the governor’s remarks dangerous.
According to the PDP, the governor’s remarks and actions were against Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which makes it clear that, “The period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”
The statement read, “We read with concern and disappointment the recklessly statement by Okpebholo, where he declared to have “kick-started” the campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, in his continuous scheming to hoodwink the President and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress.”
“We want to unequivocally state that his comments and actions are in direct contravention of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which explicitly states that, The period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”
“It is troubling and deeply embarrassing that Okpebholo, who should be a custodian of the rule of law, is kicking off campaigns nearly two years ahead of the legally allowed period. This is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent for abuse of power and disrespect for our Constitution and constitutional democracy.”
Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, responded in a statement on Saturday, accusing the PDP of misinterpreting Okpebholo’s comments.
“Let it be categorically stated that Governor Okpebholo has at no time violated any section of the Electoral Act, including Section 94(1), as falsely alleged by the Edo factional PDP. The Governor, like every well-meaning Nigerian, reserves the right to express support for the President’s vision and administration,” he stated.
Itua said the PDP twisted Okpebholo’s remarks.
“It is laughable that the Edo PDP, in its desperation to stay relevant, has now resorted to twisting every statement from the Governor to score cheap political points. Governor Okpebholo’s statement was made in the context of strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government for the development of Edo State. Besides, Governor Okpebholo reserves the right to kick-start the re-election campaign for the President without any apologies,” he said.
