The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) in Ward 7 of Igueben Local Government Area in Edo State were, on Monday, hit by massive defection with members dumping the parties to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defection came a few days to 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, Barrister Osarodion Ogie.
Leading the defectors, Messrs Sunday Uwadia Ukpokolo and Ogbenin Sunday said their action was consequent upon what they described as “the unending deceit and deception” within the parties 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. 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.
Former Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Chief Felix Omi Imoisili assured the defectors that their rights and privileges as members of the PDP would not be denied for being new members.
He assured them that there is no new entrant in PDP and that all bona fide members are equal stakeholders with no limits to what they can aspire to or get from the party.
He enjoined the defectors to hit the ground running in the mobilisation of voters at the grassroots from their zones and wards.
Imoisili promised that the agenda of the party’s governorship candidate would transform their painful experience while in the APC and LP.
The high point of the event was the official hand over of party cards and umbrella to the defectors by Asuelimhen and Igueben.
Other leaders present at the meeting included Hon. Akhabue Ogbeide, Hon. Emmanuel Aigbokhan, Hon. Jacob Imianvan, Hon. Vincent Ajayi, Hon Brodricks Emuze Ihenisekhen, Hon. Nelson Ebatanode and Mr Charles Ovienra Ehigiator.
