Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has started a grassroots campaign to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, openly rejecting other likely contenders such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

The governor made the declaration on Wednesday in Benin City during a ceremony to welcome Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The 2027 presidential election is not far off, and here in Edo, we are already getting to work.

“We’ve begun early mobilisation for President Tinubu’s second term. Our resolve is clear: the APC remains the path forward for sustainable development,” Okpebholo said.

He also hinted that more opposition members would soon join the APC, calling the movement “a carnival of political realignment.”

Hon. Osamwonyi, who represents Uhunmwonde State Constituency and serves on the House Budget and Appropriation Committee, was first received by APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe before meeting the governor.

“We are excited to welcome you home,” Okpebholo told the lawmaker. “Your return, along with others, has strengthened our base and opened a new chapter of unity and progress in Edo APC.”

He added: “Uhunmwonde is close to my heart. Together, we will unlock its development potential and bring real impact to the people.”

The governor also urged young people to get involved in politics, stressing the importance of youth inclusion and loyalty to the party.

Nigeria’s next general election is scheduled for 2027. President Tinubu is expected to seek a second term. His main challengers from the 2023 election—Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party—are also expected to run again, despite growing talks of a possible opposition coalition.