No fewer than 200 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Iguobazuwa, the administrative headquarters of Ovia South West local government area of Edo state.
Receiving the defectors, Osaretin Bello, Vice Chairman, APC in the council, commended the defectors for their courage and assured of fairness and equity in their new party.
“I welcome you to our great party, APC as new members, and assure you of all rights and privileges being enjoy those you are meeting.
“All I am saying is that we will ensure that you benefit from every opportunity regarding the welfare of members without sentiments,” Mr Bello said.
He urged the defectors to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and work of the overall success of the APC in the 2023 general elections.
Ahmed Yunusa, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said they were pleased with the warm reception and had already made up their mind to work for the party to attain success in all elective positions in the next elections.
He attributed the reason for their defection to the lack of democratic principles as well as party’s mismanagement.
Yunusa added that the developmental strides of the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House Of Representative, also made them take the step they took.
“Hon. Idahosa has been like a Godsend to us and this also informed our position to join the progressive party,” he stated.
In his speech, Idahosa reiterated his commitment to the enthronement of good governance in the federal constituency.
He promised to ensure the defectors have no reason to regret their defection.
He urged them to go to their respective wards and attend party meetings regularly for updates and other things concerning the party.
“I am delighted to witness this event today and to receive many PDP members to our party.
”Today, I am overwhelmed and promise to ensure that they benefit from all the opportunities coming to the party,” he said.
The APC Candidate for House of Assembly, Ovia South West Constituency, Hon. Sunday Aghedo, Ward Chairmen and other Leaders were all present at the venue.