Chief Francis Inegbeneki, the former Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has effectively dismantled the APC’s structure in Esan Central.
In an event held yesterday, hundreds of APC members, including key stalwarts and stakeholders, officially joined him in defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This move aims to support Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024.
Earlier this month, Inegbeneki announced his resignation from the APC. His resignation, dated June 8, 2024, was addressed to the ward chairman of Opoji in Esan Central Local Government and shared with journalists. In his resignation letter, Inegbeneki cited recent developments within the party in his local government and state that conflicted with his principles and values.
He stated that these conflicts prompted a serious evaluation of his political future and led to his decision to move forward.
“There comes a time in the life of every man when some hard decisions must be taken not only in one’s interest but in the general interest of his people. This is one such moment,” Inegbeneki wrote.
“This is my 25th year as an active, financial, and dedicated grassroots politician in Edo State. As one of the founding fathers of the APC in Edo State, I believe I have contributed my quota to the growth of the party in my ward, local government area, senatorial district, state, and our country, Nigeria. However, recent developments in the party in my local government area and state conflict with my core principles and values. This has led me to seriously evaluate my political future in Edo State and decide on the way forward.”
“After due consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership in the APC and my role as the state vice chairman. It is a hard decision, but it is the best in the interest of the good people of my senatorial district.”
Efforts by the party’s stakeholders within the state to persuade him to return were unsuccessful. Inegbeneki has since aligned with the AIO2 Movement and has promised that more members of the opposition will join the PDP before September.