- Eight former local government chairmen in Edo State abandon Governor Obaseki’s PDP, pledging support for APC and Senator Okpeholo
- Led by Adams Oshiomhole, the defectors’ reception marks a “homecoming” as they commit to ensuring APC’s success
As the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, draws near, eight former local government chairmen have made a significant move by abandoning Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP and rejoining the APC. They have pledged their support to work towards the victory of the APC and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpeholo.
These former chairmen had initially defected with Governor Obaseki to the PDP after he was disqualified from contesting the 2020 governorship election in the APC due to a power struggle with his former godfather, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
The defectors include John Osi Akhigbe, former Chairman of Etsako Central LGA; Mrs. Ruth Osahor (Esan West); Napoleon Agbama (Uhunmwonde); Dr. Josie Ogedegbe (Igueben); Andrew Osigwe (Owan East); Scott Ogbemudia (Ovia North East); Austin Okoibhole (Esan North East); and Frank Ilaboya (Owan West).
The reception of these defectors was led by the APC leader in the state, Adams Oshiomhole, who was accompanied by the party’s candidate, Senator Okpeholo, his running mate Denis Idahosa, and the state’s party Chairman, Jarret Tenabe. Oshiomhole described the defection of the former local government chairmen as a “homecoming.”
In a statement representing the defectors, Frank Ilaboya expressed their commitment to the APC and their determination to ensure the success of the Sen Okpebholo/Hon Idahosa project in the forthcoming election, emphasizing the significance of returning to the APC fold.