Edo Central PDP, Labour Party leaders defect to APC, back Tinubu, Okpebholo’s development drive
The political fortunes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party suffered another setback in Edo State on Tuesday as prominent leaders from Edo Central defected to the
The political fortunes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party suffered another setback in Edo State on Tuesday as prominent leaders from Edo Central defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among those who joined the ruling party were Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwe, and Sandra Ihenyen, alongside other notable political figures.
The defectors were formally received into the APC by Governor Monday Okpebholo at Eguare Public Field in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, amid a large turnout of supporters.
Addressing the crowd, Governor Okpebholo said the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had freed up resources now being deployed to fund development projects across the country.
He described President Tinubu as a leader committed to Nigeria’s long-term growth and stability.
“That is the money we are using to work all over Nigeria today. The President’s actions reflect a strong belief in Nigeria’s future and long-term prosperity,” he said.
Okpebholo also disclosed that he had successfully convinced a critic of President Tinubu after taking him round ongoing projects in Edo State, adding that more independent observers, including Arise Television’s Reuben Abati, would be invited to assess developments in the state.
He further insisted that Edo State was prepared to deliver 2.7 million votes for President Tinubu in future elections.
In a related development in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, the governor fulfilled a pledge to victims of the January crisis by handing over newly reconstructed Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) shops that were destroyed during the unrest.
He also issued cheques of ₦8 million each to affected traders to help them rebuild their businesses and restore livelihoods.
Okpebholo described the destruction of the market as the act of “evil elements” who targeted shops, billboards, and private property in an attempt to disrupt peace in the area.
He noted that the reconstruction marked a significant step toward restoring economic activity and normalcy in the community.
