The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu, on Tuesday received leaders of the Arewa community drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, as they declared their decision to Decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Arewa leaders commended the commissioner for his consistent engagement and support for the Arewa community, assuring him of their collective resolve to fully integrate into the APC and end political affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) within the community.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Paddy Iyamu expressed appreciation to the group for their show of confidence in the state government and the APC. He commended the leadership of the Arewa community for their unity and political maturity, noting that the governor was pleased with their decision to join the ruling party.
Dr. Iyamu assured the delegation of the state government’s continued support for the Arewa community, adding that a formal decamping ceremony would be organised where they would be officially received by the Executive Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Arewa community spokesperson, Abudullahi Ibrahim alongside other leaders, praised the administration of Governor Okpebholo, describing it as performance-driven and people-oriented. He said the governor has demonstrated in practice what it means to deliver good governance, particularly in the areas of infrastructural development, primary healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.
The leaders stated that their collective decision to decamp from the PDP to the APC was informed by what they described as the ruling party’s delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people. They pledged their continued support to Governor Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They further commended Dr. Iyamu for his inclusiveness and commitment to the welfare of the Arewa community in the state.
The team later visited APC state secretariat where the Chairman , Emperor Jarret Tenebe and Secretary Engr. Lawrence Okah warmly welcomed the Arewa APC team, affirming the state government’s strong commitment to unity, inclusiveness, and genuine love for all Arewa people residing in the state.
Notable Arewa leaders present at the meeting included the Arewa APC State Chairman, Mansuri Ibrahim, Edo Central Senatorial Leader, Mallam Isa Ekpoma, former Arewa PDP Women Leader, Ahjia Jumia Musa, as well as leaders from Edo North and Edo South senatorial districts.