Scores of leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.

Among the defectors were former Executive members of Arewa PDP, former Woman Leader of Edo PDP, Lady Uwa Osunbor, all executive members of the LP and PDP in Akoko-Edo local government area, and Youth leaders of the LP, PDP, and the ADC.

Receiving the defectors at the Garrick Memorial School in Benin City, Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, told them they were not new members but had equal rights with the old members.

Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole said Edo remains completely in safe hands under Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He said Governor Okpebholo has been giving practical expression to the concept of development and always reminded them that he was not using borrowed money.

According to him, “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. 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.

“They have been distorting facts about the next election. They invested their money to hack the INEC portal. Their hope of rigging electronically has been dashed. We must continue to deepen our grassroots support.

“Tinubu has carried out a painful surgery on the country’s economy so that the country can remain where it was destined to be.”

He reassured the crowd that President Tinubu’s determination to fix the country is reinforced every day

On his part, Governor Okpebholo, who insisted that the party would deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu, attributed the surge in support for the APC to what he described as visible and practical development across the state.

He said, “I thank members of the APC for the unity we enjoyed 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.”

“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,” he said. (The Nation)

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