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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Defection gale has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, with the National President of Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) and chieftain of the party, Alhaji Musa Isiwele, defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with hundreds of his supporters Uromi, Esan North East.
In Esan West Local Government Area, PDP Ward 3 unit chairman, Mr Julius Ebhoman, also led other PDP members in the ward to join the APC, while at
Otuo in Owan East local government, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Pally Iriase, received hundreds of PDP defectors led by a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Roland Omatoje.
In his speech, Iriase said the defection would further deplete the PDP in the locality and boost the APC chances in future elections in the state, adding that the PDP was overwhelmed by the infrastructure development being attracted to the locality and across the state.
The RTEAN President, who is regarded as strong force for the PDP in Uromi, urged his followers to have faith in the APC.
Alhaji Isiwele stated that the PDP as a political organisation had failed and lacked viable political future in Edo State, pointing out that his decision to dump the PDP was informed by the desire to contribute his quota in the new agenda of the ruling government which in his words would take Edo central to the “Promised Land”.
He urged Edo central people to bring their astuteness into the APC and ensure that their interests are promoted and protected.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the State APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, All Edo Central Local Government Area Chairmen, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Esanland, Mr. Austin Emuan, the APC leader, Esan North East local government, Chief Okoror.
Reacting to the defection, State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said the party was not bothered about the it.
He explained that the party’s leadership concern is how to restructure the party and make it attractive to Edo people.
“Those defecting are doing because of economic situation and we sympathise with them. We are interested in the electorate and not in a few people.
“Their leaving will not affect our chances in future elections in the state. It will affect us if we do not carry out our restructuring plan”, he said.
