Two suspended council chairmen in Edo State, Dickson Ahonsi of Owan West Local Government Area and Edosa Enowoghomenma of Ovia South West Local Government Area, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, which took place on Friday, also saw 13 councillors—five from Owan West and eight from Ovia South West—join the APC alongside the chairmen.
Ahonsi and the five councillors from Owan West were formally received by members of the APC state executive committee in Benin City, the state capital. During the event, they were presented with brooms, the party’s symbol. Speaking at the ceremony, Ahonsi commended the developmental strides of Governor Monday Okpebholo, attributing his defection to the governor’s efforts in transforming Edo State.
“I am joining the APC today because of the tangible progress the governor is making. He has made significant appointments, and the forthcoming release of the commissioners’ list is a step in the right direction,” Ahonsi said. “The projects he has embarked upon clearly show that Edo is in safe hands, and I will work to ensure my colleagues join the APC to support this administration.”
Edo State APC Secretary, Lawrence Okah, welcomed Ahonsi and his team, affirming that the party’s doors remain open for more defectors. “We are glad to receive you and look forward to working together to strengthen the party and the state,” Okah said.
In Ovia South West Local Government Area, Enowoghomenma and eight councillors, including the Leader of the House, Nosakhare Edobor, were received by the local APC chairman, Emmanuel Ogbomo. Ogbomo assured the new members of equal treatment and support within the party, citing his own experience as a former PDP member.
“There is nothing unusual about what you are doing today,” Ogbomo said. “I was in the PDP for 20 years before joining the APC, and today I serve as the LGA chairman of this great party. Here in the APC, everyone is treated equally, and you will not regret your decision.”
Speaking during the ceremony, Enowoghomenma emphasized the need for unity and collaboration to advance the development of Ovia South West. “We have decided to join the APC to work harmoniously with our governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and our son, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa,” he said. “Idahosa is a blessing to Ovia South West, and it is in our best interest to align with the governor and deputy governor to ensure progress in our local government.”
Edobor, the Leader of the House, added that their defection was a unanimous decision taken in the interest of the local government and not under duress. “This is a step we believe will benefit our people, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to the APC’s vision for development,” he said.
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The defection marks a significant boost for the APC in Edo State as it seeks to consolidate its position ahead of future political engagements.
