DEFECTION Tsunami: 1,100 APC, R-APC members defect to PDP in Edo

Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Friday received no fewer than 1,100 members and leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) into the PDP at Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, while receiving the defectors at a rally at Oghomere Ekperi in Etsako Central Local Government Area said “it is an uncommon honour for the party to receive and welcome over 1,100 members and leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the local government council area”.

He said the over 1,100 members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) who defected to the PDP have expanded the political support base of the party in Edo State and Nigeria.

According to him, the harsh economy and policies of the present APC led government are manifesting in the massive defections of its members both at the state and federal level to the PDP.

Meanwhile, an alarming 589,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend in Benin city announced the withdrawal of their membership from the party.

The defectors who are members of the Kwankwansiyya movement within the Reformed APC in the State were led by its Edo state Chairman, Chief John Osamede Adun and the State Coordinator, Hon Harrison Omagbon.

Addressing newsmen in Benin City, Mr Omagbon, said their decision to dump the APC was after, “critical evaluation, discussions, due consultations and after reviewing the unfolding political events in the country.

“We wish to inform the state leadership of the APC the 589, 137 members of the Kwankwansiyya movement from the 192 wards in Edo State hereby resign from the APC with immediate effect today 9th August 2018.”

Orbih was accompanied by PDP leaders, supporters and politicians from across Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts amongst whom are Hon. Clifford Ordia, Senator representing Edo Central and Hon. Joe Edionwele, Member, House of Representatives.

• Daily Independent report