Two suspended local government chairmen from Edo State, Dickson Ahonsi of Owan West and Edosa Enowoghomenma of Ovia South West, alongside 13 councillors, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which took place on Friday, has generated political ripples in the state.
Ahonsi, who was suspended as the chairman of Owan West, defected with five councillors, while Enowoghomenma, who faced suspension in Ovia South West, was joined by eight councillors. Both groups were officially received into the APC by party officials in Benin, the state’s capital.
Ahonsi, while addressing supporters and APC officials, attributed his decision to join the APC to the positive strides made by Governor Monday Okpebholo. He expressed admiration for the governor’s leadership, especially the appointments and developmental projects that have been initiated in Edo State.
Ahonsi emphasized that the state’s progress under Okpebholo had prompted him to support the current administration, declaring that he would work to bring his colleagues into the APC fold.
“I am here today because of the tremendous work that Governor Okpebholo is doing. His commitment to development, from making crucial appointments to launching projects that promise to change the state’s trajectory, shows that Edo is in capable hands,” Ahonsi stated.
The former Owan West chairman, alongside his councillors, was handed the symbolic APC broom, signifying their official membership in the party. He further committed to encouraging other local government officials to join the APC, aligning themselves with the governor’s vision for the state.
Lawrence Okah, the State Secretary of the APC, welcomed the defectors and reiterated that the party’s doors remain open for more defections. He expressed confidence that the defection would strengthen the APC’s influence in the state.
In Ovia South West, Enowoghomenma and his eight councillors, including Nosakhare Edobor, the Leader of the House, were also warmly received by Emmanuel Ogbomo, the APC chairman of the local government area.
Ogbomo, reflecting on his own transition from the PDP to the APC, assured the new members that they had made a wise decision and would not regret their move. He promised to stand with them and protect their political interests.
Enowoghomenma, in his remarks, stressed that the decision to join the APC was not made under pressure but in the best interest of the local government area.
He affirmed that working with Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa was crucial for the development of Ovia South West. Enowoghomenma also highlighted the personal ties and deep knowledge of Idahosa, adding that supporting the APC would ensure the prosperity of the region.
“We are not under duress, we made this decision willingly to support the development efforts of the governor and the deputy governor. Ovia South West will only thrive if we align ourselves with the leadership of the state,” Enowoghomenma explained.
Edobor, a key figure among the councillors who defected, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that their move was a step toward ensuring the continued progress of their local government and the state as a whole.
