The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has strongly criticized Governor Monday Okpebholo over what it describes as an unconstitutional move to prematurely launch a 2027 presidential campaign for President Bola Tinubu.
The Edo PDP, through its State Chairman, Chris Osa Nehikhare, on Friday condemned the governor’s actions, stating that they violate the provisions of the Electoral Act and amount to a gross abuse of public office.
“This move by Governor Okpebholo is not only reckless but a direct affront to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Nehikhare said in a statement. “He is expected to be a custodian of the law, not a violator of it.”
According to Nehikhare, the governor’s early endorsement and campaign gesture for President Tinubu was a calculated attempt to curry favor with the presidency and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This is nothing short of political sycophancy aimed at ingratiating himself with the President,” the PDP leader said, adding that such actions amount to a “distraction from his failures and diminishing political relevance within the state.”
The PDP cited Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits public campaigning outside the stipulated timeline. “The law is clear,” the party stated. “Public campaigns are only permitted to commence 150 days before an election and must stop 24 hours before polling day.”
Nehikhare further criticized Okpebholo’s confidence in delivering Edo State to President Tinubu in the next general election, calling it both “laughable” and “insulting” to the intelligence of Edo people.
“This is the same individual who couldn’t secure a legitimate victory in the last governorship election,” he said. “How then does he arrogantly present himself as the political compass of Edo?”
He described the governor’s post-election actions as desperate, alleging a “series of illegalities and manipulations aimed at concealing the truth behind the September 21, 2024 electoral fraud.”
The party called on President Tinubu to be wary of Okpebholo’s promises, warning that such assurances lack credibility.
“If the President truly intends to win Edo in 2027, he cannot depend on Okpebholo or the APC structure in the state. They lack the grassroots support and legitimacy to deliver,” Nehikhare declared.
The PDP also urged relevant agencies and authorities to take immediate action against the governor’s alleged breach of electoral laws.
“No one, regardless of their position, should be allowed to violate the Constitution and go unpunished,” the party stated. “We call on institutions charged with protecting our democratic values to rise to the occasion and enforce the law.”
