Eight former local government chairmen in Edo State returned to the All Progressives Congress on Monday after moving to the Peoples Democratic Party with Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020.
The returnees, John Akhigbe, former Etsako Central Local Government chairman; Dr. Josie Ogedegbe, Igueben; Frank Ilaboya, Owan West; Andrew Osigwe, Owan East; Napoleon Agbama, Uhunmwonde; Scott Ogbemudia, Ovia North East; Austin Okoibhole, Esan North East; and Mrs Ruth Osahor, Esan West, pledged their support for the party and to work for its victory in the September 21, 2024 election.
They were received on Monday night at the Benin residence of the leader of the party, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in the company of the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, his running mate, Dennis Idahosa and the acting state chairman of the party, Jaret Tenebe.
Receiving them, Oshiomhole, said, “On behalf of our state chairman, the APC family, and the governor in-waiting, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, I am very honoured to receive my men—these are people whom God used me to mobilise into ACN and now APC. Some of them played very critical roles in governance when I was governor. They were local government council chairmen.
“Like every family, sometimes there are misunderstandings or communication gaps which make them leave the party, but today, they’ve come to inform us they are moving back home.
“The good news is that this house is so large with many rooms and a big living room, which can accommodate everyone, as it has accommodated all of us today without much planning, no logistics is involved and no hiring of canopy.
“So, for me, I am excited that these men have chosen to return home, and we’ve all resolved to receive them as if they never left. They will enjoy all the rights and privileges that members of the APC enjoy.
“For chairmen who have joined us in the current project to ensure that through a free and transparent election, this great state, the heartbeat of Nigeria, returns under the governance of the APC with Okpebholo and Idahosa as the deputy, they are not strangers to ballot boxes; they are products of ballot.
“All they need is to spread that influence across the state to kick start the progressive politics of the APC that guided my action when I was governor and continue from where I stopped. I am excited and happy about this.”
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Ilaboya said, “This is homecoming because I know what you did to me and where I am today is where you put me.
“So, coming back home is special, and I feel that too for all of us here. We are your children, and we want to continue with your vision for the people driving this project. I can assure you that we are going to work with them to make sure this project is realised.”