In white clothing, APC State Secretary, Lawrence Okah handing over the broom; symbol of the APC to Hon. Ahonsi Dickson and the other decampees on Friday, 3 January, 2025.
From our political desk, Benin
In Edo State, the main opposition: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were weekend hit with another round of defection since the tussle for power at the local Government Councils began in December.
The suspended Chairman of the Owan-West Council, Hon. Ahonsi Dickson led six other members of the PDP into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Party’s State Secretariat in Benin.
They are; the suspended Vice Chairman, Hon. Asije Victoria, Chief whip of the Council legislative arm; Hon. Oni Anthony Johnbull, (Sobe Ward 11), Hon. Tunde Akele (Ward 2), Majority Leader, Hon. Thomas Good luck, Esegbe, (Ward 6), Hon. Anthony Uadia, (Sobe Ward 4), and the deputy majority Leader, Hon. Elija Ohimai (Ward 1).
Hon. Ahonsi Dickson standing (L), on why he and others left the PDP for the APC
Speaking at the event, Hon. Dickson said that they decided to dump the PDP for the ruling APC following the practical progressive governance of the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo within a short time in office.
Contrary to the past, within a short time of assumption of the reins of power, the Governor has demonstrated that he was ready to take Edo to higher heights, he pointed out.
“For example; in a short while in office, he made some important appointments unlike the previous PDP administration which stayed up to about six months without any appointment.
“On that note I don’t need anybody to tell me what next I should do and that is why I am here with my people to join the APC.“
Hon. Dickson promised to mobilise more PDP members to the ruling Party, while assuring that they were ready to join forces with everyone on board to make life better in Edo State.
To receive the decampees, was the Party State Secretary, Lawrence Okah and other members of the State Working Committee.
Okah speaking; expressed gratitude for the harvest he noted was of grassroots politicians and that now the APC boats of no less than five Councillors in Owan-West Council.
The APC doors are wide open to receive everyone who is anxious to join the Party, he stated.
Earlier barely a fortnight ago; member representing the Esan South-East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Sunny Ojiezele also dumped the PDP for the ruling APC.
“…with the issues rocking the PDP, I am back to the APC to pay my debt I owe the party since it was the APC’s platform that I got my mandate as a lawmaker in the House of Assembly,” Ojiezele said.
In the same vein, Edosa Enowoghomwenma, the suspended Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area of the State and eight councilors, including the Leader of the House, Nosakhare Edobor joined the APC on Friday, from the PDP.
They said it was important that they join the deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa who they call ‘Mr Project’ in working to grow the State.
Unconfirmed sources have speculated that more members of the PDP especially amongst the troubled local Government Council Chairmen and their deputies; will in the days ahead cross carpet to the APC.
