By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The political landscape in Edo Central shifted significantly as prominent leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The high-profile defectors include Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwe, and Sandra Ihenyen, along with several other notable political figures and their supporters.

Governor Monday Okpebholo formally received the new members during a massive rally held at the Eguare Public Field in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area. The event was marked by a large turnout, signaling a boost for the APC’s influence in the region ahead of future elections.

During the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, specifically citing the removal of the fuel subsidy. He explained that this difficult decision has freed up essential resources that are now being utilized to fund critical development projects throughout Nigeria.

The Governor expressed strong confidence in the President’s vision for long-term national prosperity and stability. He further declared that Edo State is organized and ready to deliver a staggering 2.7 million votes for President Tinubu in upcoming electoral cycles to show support for his administration.

In a move to showcase transparency, Okpebholo mentioned that he has been taking critics on tours of ongoing projects to prove the impact of his administration. He even expressed intentions to invite independent observers, such as Arise Television’s Reuben Abati, to witness the developmental progress being made within the state.

Transitioning to community welfare, the Governor visited Ekpoma in Esan West to fulfill a promise made to victims of the January crisis. He officially handed over the newly reconstructed Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) shops, which had been destroyed during the civil unrest earlier in the year.

To further aid recovery, the Governor distributed cheques of ₦8 million each to affected traders to help them restart their businesses. He condemned the previous destruction as the work of “evil elements” and emphasized that rebuilding the market was a vital step toward restoring peace and economic normalcy.