Another Defection Hits Edo PDP As Member Representing Ikpoba Okha Joins APC
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), today received another defector from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who is the member representing Ikpoba Okha Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nicholas Asonsere.
Hon. Nicholas Asonsere is the member representing the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and the Campaign Director General of Asue/Ighodalo Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.
Receiving the defector and his followers into APC family, the Acting State chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said, “Today marks another watershed moment in the political history of Edo State. A fresh tsunami has hit the PDP, shaking its foundation once again.
“With the defection of Hon. Nicholas Asonsere, the PDP has lost one of its most influential voices.
“This is not just any defection – it is the departure of a political son of two of the PDP’s leading figures in Edo South: the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and the Campaign Director General, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen. What clearer sign do we need that the PDP is collapsing under the weight of its own failures?
“The unprecedented developmental strides of the Okpebholo-led government have become a reference point, drawing unimaginable droves from the PDP. The people of Edo, and especially the APC family, salute the courage and boldness of PDP lawmakers who have invoked the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to join hands with our progressive government in facilitating the rise of a new Edo.”
Going further, the APC Acting Chairman added, “The defection of Hon. Nicholas Asonsere epitomizes the march toward sending the PDP into political oblivion in Edo State. He was a key voice that once gave relevance to the PDP in their heydays. Today, he has chosen to align with the future. We thank him for his resolve and determination to join our dynamic governor in making Edo the envy of all.
“The APC uses this medium to assure the people of Edo that the positive political environment they have long yearned for is finally here – and it is here to stay – now that Senator Okpebholo occupies the driver’s seat.
“Let me also reiterate the governor’s position: the Olive branch extended to the opposition is real. The development of Edo State requires the cooperation and collaboration of all.”
In his speech, Hon. Nicholas Asonsere stated that the decision was very hard and difficult for him to take, emphasizing that it is self-conviction which metamorphosis to his defection to APC.
According to him, “It was me that called that I want to join APC. Somebody cannot be developing my constituent or rather my constituency bringing the flower over there and I’ll be on the left side where it’s on the right hand side ready to develop the people I’m representing. So, I need to join my hands to encourage to speak out to our people so that we give him a rousing support to enable him finish what he has started in my constituency.
“That is because of the developmental strive that the governor is doing. With the shortest time he has been in office has convinced me to say let us join him to make sure that he take the state forward.”
