The All Progressives Congress, APC, and Labour party, LP, in Ward 7, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State were on Monday, hit by massive defection as many dumped the parties and joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The defection comes a few days to the beginning of the official commencement of campaigns for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
All the defectors drummed support for the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, popularly called AI, and his running mate, Barr Osarodion Ogie in their bid to move the state forward and offer a breath of fresh air different from the hardship inducing policies and programs of the APC led federal government.
Leading the defectors, Mr Sunday Uwadia Ukpokolo and Mr Ogbenin Sunday, said their defection was consequent upon what they described as “the unending deceit and deception” within the party which they said, has not only caused harm to their personal development as members but also dangerous to the Nigeria democratic system.
While welcoming the defectors,The executive Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Hon.(Engr) Clement Asuelimhen, commended the defectors for their courage to quit the “clueless and inept” party to join efforts with the PDP in salvaging the country as a preparation ahead of 2027 general elections.
Chief (Barr) Felix Omi Imoisili assured the defectors that their rights and privileges as members of the PDP will not be denied for being new members.
He assured them that there is no new entrant in PDP and that all bonafide members are equal stakeholders with no limits to what they can aspire to or get from the party.
He later enjoined the defectors to hit the ground running in the mobilization of voters at the grassroots from their zones and wards.
He promised that agenda of the party’s governorship candidate will transform their painful experience while in the APC and Labour party.
High point was the official hand over of party cards and umbrella to the defectors as the PDP unique symbol by the executive Chairman of Igueben Local Government and Hon Barr Felix Omi Imoisili respectively.
Other leaders present at the meeting include, Hon chief Akhabue Ogbeide, Hon Emmanuel Aigbokhan, Hon Vincent Ajayi, Hon Jacob Imianvan, Secretary to Igueben Local Government Council, Hon Brodricks Emuze Ihenisekhen, Hon Nelson Ebatanode Supervisor for youth and sports, Mr Charles Ovienra Ehigiator, special Adviser to Igueben Local Government Council among many others.