Suspended Edo LG chairmen, councillors defect to APC

Two suspended local government chairmen in Edo State, Dickson Ahonsi of Owan West and Edosa Enowoghomenma of Ovia South West, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with several councillors.

Ahonsi, joined by five councilors, was officially accepted into the APC in Benin by members of the party’s state executive.

Speaking during the event, Ahonsi cited Governor Monday Okpebholo’s achievements as the driving force behind his decision to switch allegiance.

“I am joining the APC today because of what the governor is doing. Firstly, he has made important appointments, unlike the previous government. The list of commissioners will soon be released, and it is a welcome development,” he said.

Ahonsi also praised the governor’s developmental initiatives, which he described as evidence of good leadership.

“The projects he has embarked upon show clearly that Edo is in safe hands, and that is why I am here to join the party,” he added, pledging to persuade more of his colleagues to follow suit.

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In Ovia South West, Enowoghomenma defected with eight councillors, including House Leader Nosakhare Edobor.

The group was welcomed by APC’s local chairman, Emmanuel Ogbomo, who assured them of fair treatment.

“There is nothing new about what you are doing today. I was in the PDP for 20 years before I left, and now I am the LGA chairman of the APC,” he said.

This means that in the APC, everybody is treated equally. You will not regret your action, and we will protect you and your office,” Ogbomo said.

Explaining his decision, Enowoghomenma said, “We have thought it wise to pitch our tent with the APC in Ovia South West. We will work harmoniously with our governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and our son, Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governor, to develop the state.”

Edobor clarified that the move was entirely voluntary.

“We were not under duress to jump ship but took this decision in the interest of our local government area,” he said.