BREAKING: Edo LG Chairmen Defect to APC Amid Face-off with Governor Okpebholo

The Chairman of Ovia South West local government area, Hon Edosa Enowoghomenma, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with eight elected councillors, including the Leader of the House, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor.

This move comes amidst a face-off between the councils and Governor Monday Okpebholo.

In a similar development, the chairman of Owan West local government area, Hon Dickson Ahonsi, and five elected councillors have also defected to the APC. Ahonsi attributed their decision to join the APC to the steps taken by Governor Okpebholo to develop the state.

The defectors were received by the State Secretary of the party, Engr. Lawrence Okah, and other members of the state executive committee. Okah welcomed them, stating that the doors of the party are open to receive more defectors. “We have long been expecting you to join us. APC now has five Councilors and more will come. Use the broom to mobilize other people to join the party.”

The chairman of the party in Ovia South West, Emmanuel Ogbomo, also assured the defectors that they would not regret joining the ruling party. “There is nothing new about what you are doing today. I was in the PDP for 20 years before I left, and now I am the LGA chairman of the party. This means that in the APC, everybody is treated equally, and you will not regret your action.”

Enowoghomenma stated that their decision to join the APC was to support Governor Monday Okpebholo and the deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa, in developing the state. “We have thought it wise to pitch tent with the APC in Ovia South West LGA, to work harmoniously with our governor and the deputy governor. As the council chairman, it will do our people no good if we do not work in tandem with the deputy governor and the governor of Edo state.”

The Leader of the House, Hon Edobor, emphasized that their decision was not made under duress but for the interest of the local government area. “We are here today to join forces and ensure that there is development in Ovia South West. The reason why we are in politics is to ensure that Ovia South West is taken to an enviable height.”

The development comes after the state House of Assembly suspended local government executives following a request from Governor Okpebholo. The governor, who was sworn into office in November 2024, had defeated the then-ruling party, the PDP, in the September off-cycle election.