In a significant political shift, two local government chairmen and 13 councillors in Edo State defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, marking a new phase in the ruling party?s bid to control all 18 local government areas in the state.

Hon. Edosa Enowoghomenma, Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, defected with eight councillors, including the Leader of the House, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor. Meanwhile, Hon. Dickson Ahonsi, Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, and five councillors also joined the APC, intensifying the ongoing face-off between the councils and Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Ahonsi explained their decision, attributing it to the steps Governor Okpebholo has taken to develop the state. The defectors were received by APC State Secretary Engr. Lawrence Okah and other members of the state executive committee.

He said, ?Firstly, his activities on the assumption of office were impressive as he made important appointments, unlike the previous government. Soon, the list of commissioners will be released, and it is a welcome development.

The projects he has embarked upon clearly show that Edo is in safe hands, and that is why I am here to join the party.?

Okah, while welcoming the defectors, assured that the party was open to more joining. ?We have long been expecting you to join us. APC now has five councillors, and more will come. Use the broom to mobilize others to join the party,? he urged.

The defectors from Ovia South West were received by APC Chairman Emmanuel Ogbomo, who assured them that their decision would be a rewarding one. ?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 party. In the APC, everybody is treated equally, and you will not regret your decision. We will support you and your office,? he promised.

Enowoghomenma, before receiving the party?s paraphernalia, expressed that their decision to join the APC was to support Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa in their efforts to develop the state.

?We have thought it wise to pitch our tent with the APC in Ovia South West LGA, to work harmoniously with our governor, Distinguished Sen. Monday Okpebholo, and our very own son, Mr. Project Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa. Hon. Dennis is not a stranger to us; he is a blessing to Ovia South West.?

He continued, ?As the council chairman, it would be detrimental to our people, Ovia South West, if we do not align with the deputy governor and the governor of Edo State. Hence, we all agreed to join the APC today and further unite our efforts to develop our local government.?

Hon. Edobor, the Leader of the House, emphasized that their decision was made voluntarily for the good of the local government.

?I am happy, along with my colleagues from the Ovia South West legislative arm, to join forces and ensure development in our area. The reason we are in politics is to ensure that Ovia South West reaches its full potential.

"We are here today not under duress but to join the ruling party and bring renewed hope to our people. The essence of being in politics is to bring development.? (Nigerian Tribune)

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