Yusuf Rahimat Clara reporting
In a shocking development, several top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Urhonigbe South, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The mass defection, which has been described as a political tsunami, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state.
Leading the pack of defectors are, Hon. Sunny Iyamu, former Commissioner in the Board of Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, EDSOGPADEC. Hon. Osaretin Okunkpolor, Councilor representing Urhonigbe South, Hon. John and Uhunwangho (aka Uroy).
Others are, APC Urhonigbe South Ward Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Urhonigbe Youth Chairman and Secretary and 3 Zonal Women Leaders
These top leaders, along with their numerous followers and supporters, renounced their membership of the APC and joined the PDP.
The defectors cited the selfless leadership qualities of the Council Chairman, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe and the competency of the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, as reasons for their defection.
They also berated the harsh economic situation in the country and the intolerance of the Orhionmwon APC leadership.
According to Hon. Sunny Iyamu, “We have been impressed by the super leadership qualities of our beloved son and brother, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe and the vision of Dr. Asuen Ighodalo for Edo State. We believe that the PDP is the best political platform that will liberate the country from the sorrowful state we have found ourselves as a nation”.
The defectors vowed to work tirelessly in Urhonigbe South to deliver Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the PDP in the forthcoming governorship election, saying they are committed to bringing about a new era of prosperity and progress in Edo State and Orhionmwon in particular.
This mass defection is seen as a remarkable blow to the APC in Orhionmwon and a boost to the PDP’s chances in the governorship election. Political analysts say the development may swing the pendulum of power in favour of the PDP in the forthcoming election.