KEY POINTS
- Two suspended LG chairmen defect to APC with 13 councillors.
- Defectors praise Governor Okpebholo’s development initiatives.
- APC promises equal treatment and welcomes more defections.
Two suspended local government chairmen in Edo State, Dickson Ahonsi of Owan West and Edosa Enowoghomenma of Ovia South West, along with 13 councillors, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ahonsi, accompanied by five councillors, was formally received into the ruling party by members of the APC state executive in Benin City on Friday. The group was presented with brooms, the APC’s symbol, during the event. Ahonsi cited the developmental strides of Governor Monday Okpebholo as a key factor in his decision.
Praise for Governor Okpebholo’s leadership
According to Punch, Ahonsi commended the governor for his governance style, highlighting recent appointments and infrastructure projects as evidence of progress in Edo State.
“I joined the APC today because of what the governor is doing. His recent appointments and forthcoming list of commissioners signal a welcome change. The projects he has initiated clearly show that Edo is in safe hands and I am here to support his vision,” Ahonsi said.
Ahonsi pledged to encourage more colleagues to join the APC to bolster support for the state administration.
Support for Ovia south west
In Ovia South West Local Government Area, Enowoghomenma, accompanied by eight councillors, including the Leader of the House, Nosakhare Edobor, was welcomed by the local APC chairman, Emmanuel Ogbomo. The APC leadership assured the new members of equal treatment and support within the party.
“There’s nothing new about what you’re doing today. I was in the PDP for 20 years before joining the APC, and today, I serve as the party’s LGA chairman. In the APC, everyone is treated equally. You will not regret your decision,” Ogbomo said.
Alignment with state leadership
Enowoghomenma emphasized the importance of aligning with the APC leadership to foster development in Ovia South West.
“We have decided to join the APC to work harmoniously with Governor Okpebholo and our deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa. Idahosa is one of us, and it is only right to support him and the governor for the benefit of our local government,” he stated.
The councillors reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the local government’s interests, stressing that their defection was a collective decision made in good faith.
APC welcomes defections
Edo State APC Secretary, Lawrence Okah, extended the party’s welcome to the defectors and encouraged more PDP members to make the switch.
“Our doors are always open to anyone who wishes to join us in moving Edo State forward,” Okah said.
With these defections, the APC has further consolidated its position as the ruling party in Edo State, underscoring its growing influence in local governance.
