The political climate in Edo State took a dramatic turn as Governor Monday Okpebholo’s declaration to commence support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ignited a fierce war of words between the state government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The development has sparked legal and constitutional concerns, with fresh debate surrounding early campaign activities and the interpretation of the Electoral Act 2022.
Governor Okpebholo, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made headlines during a political event in Benin City on Wednesday, where he welcomed Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi—a former PDP lawmaker—into the APC. During the reception, Okpebholo boldly declared that he had “kick-started” President Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, praising the President’s leadership and expressing unwavering support for his administration.
In swift reaction, the Edo State chapter of the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, issued a strongly worded statement condemning Okpebholo’s remarks. Nehikhare accused the governor of violating Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which outlines a clear timeline for public political campaigns.
The PDP stated, “It is disheartening and reckless for a sitting governor to begin campaigning for a candidate when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not issued a timetable. This is a blatant breach of the law and an insult to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act reads: “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 PDP maintains that Okpebholo’s premature campaign remarks could set a “dangerous precedent,” encourage lawlessness, and undermine constitutional order.
Legal analysts are divided over whether Governor Okpebholo’s remarks constitute an actual breach of the Electoral Act. While some argue that mere political expressions of support do not amount to formal campaign activities, others believe the governor crossed a legal line by using language that implied an official campaign launch.
Constitutional lawyer Barrister Emmanuel Otokiti said, “The line between free speech and illegal campaigning can be thin. However, if the governor publicly declares the start of a campaign and mobilizes political activities under that banner, he risks attracting sanctions from INEC or facing litigation.”
Responding to the backlash, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless and politically motivated. According to him, Okpebholo did not violate any law, and the statement was taken out of context.
“Governor Okpebholo, like every patriotic Nigerian, has the constitutional right to support and speak positively about the President. There was no formal campaign flag-off. It is the PDP that is misinterpreting a harmless remark in its desperation to stay relevant,” Itua said in a statement released Saturday.
He added that the governor’s show of support was aimed at enhancing federal-state collaboration to bring more development to Edo State under Tinubu’s administration.
Observers believe the clash is a manifestation of broader political alignments as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. Although the elections are over two years away, early declarations of loyalty are already reshaping the political terrain, especially within states like Edo where power struggles are intensifying.
The defection of Kaycee Osamwonyi from PDP to APC is the latest in a string of political movements in Edo, signaling increasing momentum for the APC ahead of the September 2024 governorship election. The party appears to be leveraging federal support and the popularity of President Tinubu to consolidate its influence in the state.
As of press time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not issued a formal comment on the controversy. However, political watchers anticipate that such instances could lead to a clampdown or issuance of guidelines to forestall early campaign declarations.
The confrontation between the Edo State Government and the PDP has rekindled questions around Nigeria’s electoral laws, political conduct, and the sanctity of election timelines. As political actors continue to test the limits of free expression and campaign regulations, Nigerians await clarity from electoral authorities.
For now, the PDP insists it will explore all legal means to challenge what it calls “the governor’s disregard for democratic principles,” while Okpebholo’s camp remains unyielding in its support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.