Scores of leaders and members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.
The defectors include former executive members of Arewa PDP, former Edo PDP Woman Leader Lady Uwa Osunbor, all executive members of LP and PDP in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, and youth leaders from LP, PDP, and ADC.
Receiving them at Garrick Memorial School in Benin City, Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe welcomed the new members, assuring them of equal rights and full integration with existing members.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole declared that Edo remains “completely in safe hands” under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Oshiomhole said Okpebholo has been delivering practical development without borrowing funds.
He pointed to the defection of the son of a former PDP vice president and founding father as evidence of growing support for President Tinubu.
“You heard the son of a former Vice President, a founding father of the PDP, abandoned the father and joined the APC so that Tinubu can continue to do the good job he has started,” Oshiomhole said.
“If the children of opposition leaders of a former President of the PDP platform decide to leave their fathers and join the APC, you know you must not stay there. Tell whoever is left to come and join.”
He dismissed opposition claims of rigging in future elections, saying attempts to hack INEC’s portal had failed.
“We must continue to deepen our grassroots support,” he added.
“Tinubu has carried out a painful surgery on the country’s economy so that the country can remain where it was destined to be.”
Oshiomhole reassured the crowd that President Tinubu’s resolve to fix Nigeria grows stronger daily.
Governor Okpebholo, who predicted 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in 2027, attributed the APC surge to visible development across Edo.
“I thank members of the APC for the unity we enjoy in the party. We have a good father in President Tinubu, and we all stand here today because we are proud of him and ready to deliver Edo for APC come 2027,” he said.
“2027 and 2.5 million votes are sure for Tinubu. The president should relax and come to Edo to commission projects, not to campaign, as the state is sure and settled for the APC.
“All that we do in Edo State is practical governance, and the people can see development. Every kobo spent in Edo State is from President Tinubu.
“I invite Rufai and Abati to Edo State and will take them on a project tour in the state. By the time I take them around for a few days inspecting projects, you will not only campaign but vote for President Tinubu in 2027,” Okpebholo added.
