Osagie Otabor, Benin
A former chairman of Obia North East local government area, Mr. Faustain Ovienrioba, has led his supporters to return to the All Progressives Congress.
Ovienrioba defected to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in 2010 during the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
He returned to the PDP ahead of the 2016 governorship election.
Ovienrioba who declared his intention to return to the APC at a meeting with Edo Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu, said his support for the party was unflinching.
He said next year’s governship elections in Edo State would be a work over for Governor Godwin Obaseki in view of the pedigree of the Governor.
The former council boss stated that the issue of continuity for Obaseki was non-negotiable due to the developmental strides of the APC government in the state.
He said he and his over 3000 supporters were ready to work as a team towards ensuring success at the polls.
“We are only waiting for the nomination and election in the state and my local government in particular where we can assure of 80% success at the polls.”
An APC leader and Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo said citizens of Edo State were aware of Obaseki’s developmental strides.
Hon Shaibu said the progress of the state would not be put on reverse gear by anybody or group of persons.
Comrade Shaibu said the decision of the PDP defectors to align with the state government at the time when there were political hiccups in the ruling APC l was a pointer the fact that government does not reverse its policies against the backdrop of having people that understand what leadership entails.
Shaibu stated that Governor Obaseki brought his high cognate business experience into governance and is taking the state from being a civil servant state to industrial hub.
He said Obaseki has done a lot to transform the economic fortunes of the sub and hailed the defectors for aligning with the vision of the ruling APC.
Shaibu assured that they would be given a rousing welcome with their teeming followers at their local government area at a later date.
According to Shaibu, “Realigning with us is key as you are already family members”, adding that victory at the polls at Ovia North-East Local Government was sure due to the grassroots politics and the caliber of the team members led by Hon. Faustine Ovienrioba.”