In a significant boost to the All Progressives Congress, Hon Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of the Esama of Benin and former House of Representatives member, has led her supporters into the party, just hours after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.
Igbinedion was received at the Edo South senatorial district flag-off of the APC governorship campaign, where she was welcomed by top party leaders.
The event also saw the unveiling of a five-point manifesto by APC candidate Sen. Monday Okpebholo, outlining his plans for security, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and water provision, according to Leadership.
The rally, held at the University of Benin’s Ekheuan Campus, was attended by party leaders from the 77 wards in Edo South district.
Speakers at the event, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Hon Charles Idahosa, criticized the nearly eight-year administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki and expressed confidence in the APC’s chances of winning the upcoming election.
Igbinedion cited the APC’s support for her vision for the Ovia people as the reason for her defection, highlighting the party’s selection of Hon Dennis Idahosa as deputy governorship candidate.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole praised Igbinedion as an asset to the APC and urged voters to reject the PDP.
Igbinedion however said she left the PDP because the APC had supported her vision for Ovia people.
“There was Esan Agenda and I also have the Ovia agenda, the APC has fulfilled the Ovia Agenda because we have never produced a deputy governor and the APC has picked our own Hon Dennis Idahosa as the party’s deputy governorship candidate.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, on his part, said Igbinedion’s is an asset to APC just as he urged the people to vote out PDP.
“They claim to be technocrats and in this era of seeking knowledge, they destroyed a library and replaced it with shoprite. I can assure you that our candidate will turn it back to a digital library.
“They destroyed a hospital and are building a museum for them to re-loot returned artefacts which belonged to the palace, our candidate will partner the palace to build the Benin Royal Museum for the kingdom. He rebuild the Benin Water Storm project and desilt the city to check flooding.”
