Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo announced on Wednesday in Benin that he has begun mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.

The governor made this known while receiving Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Mr Osamwonyi defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Osamwonyi represents the Uhunmwonde constituency and serves on the House committee on budget and appropriation.

He was first received by APC state chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, before being presented to the governor.

Welcoming the lawmaker, Mr Okpebholo commended him and his fellow defectors for strengthening the APC.

He assured them of a supportive environment for collaboration and development in Edo.

“We congratulate you on your return home. Your defection, along with four others, has made our party stronger and more united,” Mr Okpebholo said.

“A lot of people from other political parties are ready to join us. Very soon, it will be a carnival of defections.

“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.

Speaking on the upcoming election, the governor 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 urged the youth to get involved, saying, “We must mobilise young people.

“You are part of that demographic, and I assure you that you’ll find fulfillment in the APC.”

Presenting Mr Osamwonyi, Mr Tenebe noted 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,” Tenebe said.

In his remarks, Mr Osamwonyi cited internal divisions within the PDP as the reason for his defection.

“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 said.

He praised the state government’s development initiatives, especially those targeting 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,” he added.

(NAN)