Edo guber: Akpata gets LP senatorial leader’s endorsement
• Scores of APC members defect to PDP to support Ighodalo
THE Senatorial Leader of Labour Party ( LP) in Edo Central, Friday Ibadin, yesterday, pledged support for the governorship candidate of the party, Olumide Akpata, while denying any plans to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) or support the candidate of the party, Asue Ighodalo.
Ibadin made the declaration while reacting to a viral video where Ighodalo, in the company of the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Friday Itulah, paid him a visit, which was interpreted as a move to dump the LP for PDP to support Ighodalo.
Besides, it was rumoured that Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, has collapsed the Obidient Movement structures to the PDP to help Ighodalo win the governorship election.
However, Ibadin explained that as a traditional man and an in- law to the former Speaker, Itulah, his responsibility was to open his doors to any visitor, especially as Itulah is his in- law.
He categorically stated that he remains a vibrant member of the LP and a follower of the Obidient movement.
MEANWHILE, the PDP, in Ugbeze Community, Uhunwonde Local Council of Edo State, has received scores of defectors from the All Progressives Congress ( APC) into their fold. The PDP also said that the Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie ticket is a perfect blend of corporate and public service experience, which will fast track development of the state.
The defectors, who were in high spirits, were led by
Omoruyi Evbuomwan, and were received by Festus Osaigbovo, Dr. Nosa Owen, Lucky Oseye and other leaders of the party in the community, yesterday.
Osaigbovo received a leader of the APC in Uhunwonde Council, John Ojo, into the umbrella family in his home in Oza Community.
Ojo, who is a leader in Iguoke Community, noted that he joined the party to support the election of Ighodalo and Ogie to become the governor and deputy of Edo, respectively, because he saw in them the capacity to lead the state to greater heights.