In a significant political development, former Minister of Works during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Arch Mike Onolememen, and Gideon Ikhine, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision benefits the APC in Edo State and is considered as a forerunner to the 2024 governorship race.
The APC leadership and supporters in Uromi, the headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area, welcomed the defections enthusiastically. The zone’s APC leader, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), voiced optimism about the party’s prospects in the approaching election. He stressed the significance of such significant political people joining the APC, believing that it reflected the party’s strong push toward victory.
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Gideon Ikhine, a former PDP member, indicated that his decision to join the APC was driven by his belief that the APC would seize control of the country in the 2024 elections. He emphasized the APC’s internal cohesiveness and lack of internal disagreements, comparing it with his previous party, the PDP.
Arch Mike Onolememen emphasized the need of adapting to contemporary political realities and uniting with the country’s ruling party. He emphasized the need of supporting Senate President Godwill Akpabio, who is from the South-South area, as well as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who heads the party in the state and coordinates Edo State legislators in the National Assembly in order to bring development to the region.
