Fear of Impeachment: Ovia South West Chair and Councillors Defect to APC
In a surprising political twist, the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edosa Enowoghomwenma, alongside eight elected councilors, including the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Nosakhare Edobor, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This development, announced on Friday, is being widely interpreted as a strategic move to avoid the impeachment wave sweeping through Edo State’s local government councils. So far, five council chairmen—representing Egor, Owan East, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde, and Esan West LGAs—have been impeached alongside their vice chairmen.
A Calculated Political Shift
The defectors were warmly received by the APC chairman in Ovia South West, Emmanuel Ogbomo, who reassured them of equal treatment within the party.
“There is nothing new about what you are doing today,” Ogbomo stated. “I was in the PDP for 20 years before joining the APC, and today I am the LGA chairman of the party. In the APC, everyone is treated equally, and you will not regret your decision. We will protect you and your offices as members of our party.”
Aligning with State Leadership
Speaking during the event, Edosa Enowoghomwenma explained that the decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to align with the state’s leadership for the development of Ovia South West. He highlighted the importance of working with Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, whom he described as “a blessing to Ovia South West.”
“As the council chairman, it will serve our people better if we align with the deputy governor and the governor of Edo State,” Enowoghomwenma said. “This is why we have all agreed to join the APC today, to consolidate efforts and further develop our local government.”
Commitment to Development
Council Leader Nosakhare Edobor echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the move was in the best interest of their community.
“We are here not under duress, but for the progress of Ovia South West,” Edobor stated. “Our goal in politics is to ensure development. By joining the ruling APC, we aim to bring renewed hope and progress to our people.”
Political Implications
This defection signals a shift in the political dynamics of Edo State, particularly as the APC strengthens its influence across the 18 local government areas. For the defectors, it marks a fresh beginning with a focus on development and collaboration with the state’s leadership.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on the ruling APC and its growing dominance in Edo State.