Edo govt, PDP clash over Tinubu re-election bid
The Edo State government and Peoples Democratic Party have traded words over Governor Monday Okpehbolo’s declaration of kickstarting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Okpebholo made the declaration on Wednesday when he received another member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Kaycee Osamwonyi, who defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.
However, the Edo PDP, in a statement shared with Sunday PUNCH by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said it was disappointed in Okpebholo, declaring the governor’s statement as reckless.
The PDP said the governor’s action and comment contravened 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.”
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.”
In his response, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, in a statement on Saturday accused the PDP of misinterpreting Okpebholo’s remarks.
“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.
