LP Senatorial leader Defects To APC As Okpebholo Gets 3 SUVs & 2 Siennas As Donations

STEVE ADEPOJU 

The Senatorial leader of the Labour Party in Edo Central Senatorial district of Edo State, Chief Friday Ibhadin (Rtd), has reportedly rejected an offer of N50 million to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Instead, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was received by the governorship candidate of the APC, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The event, which was held in Udumoza-Uromi, Esan North East, on Sunday, follows a wave of collapses within the Labour Party’s structure across the Local Government Area (LGA) into the APC fold.

Speaking at the event, the leader of the Labour Party in the Ward, Alhaji Usman Ehibor, said they decided to move into the APC because they believe in the capacity of the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. He stated that Okpebholo’s activities in Esanland, even before joining partisan politics, were a testimony to his potential to govern effectively. He emphasized that the impact of Okpebholo’s few days at the Senate could already be felt in Esan land.

Chief Friday Ibhadin, the Senatorial leader of the Labour Party, who led the entire party structure to the APC, stated that he joined the APC because the party represents justice, peace, and unity. He explained that the decision was influenced by the outcome of the keenly contested primary election and the party’s resolve to address the cries and appeals from the people of Esan for justice, peace, and unity in the state. He announced his decision to join the APC so that they could collectively work for the victory of the APC and Senator Monday Okpebholo in the upcoming elections.

He also took the opportunity to announce that he was donating three SUVs and two Toyota Siennas to support the campaign.

Addressing the crowd, Senator Monday Okpebholo welcomed all the defectors to the APC and assured them that the APC would be their home henceforth. He pledged to work for the victory of the party and promised a New Edo where governance would prioritize the people’s interests over the interests of a select few.

He also expressed gratitude to Chief Friday Ibhadin for rejecting the N50 million offer made by the PDP to join their party. He commended Ibhadin for standing firm in his belief in the APC and its vision for the development of Esan Land and Edo State in general.