Ovia South West Chair, Councillors jump ship to APC amidst impeachment crisis

By Jethro Ibileke

Amidst fears of impending impeachment, the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area in Edo State, Hon. Edosa Enowoghomwenma, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Joining him in the move are all eight elected councillors of the Local Government Area, including the Leader of the House, Nosakhare Edobor.

This latest defection has been interpreted by many as a strategic move to avoid being swept away in the ongoing push by the ruling APC to seize control of all 18 Local Government Areas in the state.

So far, five Local Government Council Chairmen, including those from Egor, Owan East, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde, and Esan West, have been impeached alongside their vice chairmen.

Emmanuel Ogbomo, the APC Chairman in Ovia South West, welcomed the defectors, assuring them that their decision would not be regretted.

“I was in the PDP for 20 years before I joined the APC, and now I am the LGA Chairman of the party. In the APC, everyone is treated equally, and we will stand by you and protect your office,” he said.

Before formally joining the APC, Enowoghomwenma explained that the decision was made to support Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, both of whom he described as vital to the development of the state.

“We have decided to align with the APC in Ovia South West to work closely with our Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, and our own son, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who is a great asset to the people of Ovia South West,” Enowoghomwenma said.

“As Chairman, it would not be in the best interest of our people to work against the Governor and Deputy Governor. Therefore, we have come together today to join APC and focus on the development of our local government.”

Nosakhare Edobor, Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Council, emphasized that the defection was not forced but made in the best interest of the local government’s progress.

“I’m happy to join forces with my colleagues to ensure development in Ovia South West. The goal of politics is to advance our people, and today, we are joining the ruling party to bring renewed hope and development to our community,” Edobor stated.