Upbeat about the defection of some prominent politicians in Edo North senatorial district to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has averred that by the time the 2.5 million votes promised President Bola Tinubu in 2027 were delivered, they would not be disputed.
Receiving the defectors at a mega rally held at the Auchi Open Field in Etsako West Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained development and improved living standards for the people of the state.
The governor said his government had made visible progress within a short period despite limited resources, noting that the SHINE Agenda was already yielding results across key sectors.
Thanking the newcomers, Okpebholo assured them of equal opportunities within the party, emphasising that the APC remained a united family focused on transforming Edo State.
The state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, described the decision of the defectors as a boost to the party’s growing strength in Edo.
Tenebe also used the occasion to reaffirm the endorsement of Senator Adams Oshiomhole as the sole candidate for Edo North Senatorial District in the party’s forthcoming primary election, a pronouncement that was unanimously supported by party faithful through a voice vote.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Benedicta Attoh described their move as a “homecoming,” noting that many of them were original members of the APC.
Attoh said, “We are not defecting; we are returning home. Even the Bible speaks of the prodigal son who left but later realised there was no better place than his foundation, and returned,”
Edo North party leaders and other stakeholders were present to formally receive the defectors, notably Attoh, and a former Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) member, Sylvester Eruaga, alongside several members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who described the APC as a beacon of hope.
