Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday said the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had been banned from coming to the state without obtaining security clearance, alleging that his last visit to the state had led to an upsurge of insecurity.
Governor Okpebholo who spoke at a defection ceremony in Uromi, Esan North East local government area of Edo where he received Hon. Marcus Onobun who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency into the APC, specifically condemned the recent visit of the Labour Party candidate to Benin City, and asserted that it coincided with a resurgence of violence.
Okpebholo said, “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
He further accused key opposition figures of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement, claiming some of them were responsible for derailed national infrastructure projects and national insecurity.
“Some of them stole railway funds. Some were senate presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers.
“These same people now want to form new parties. Today, SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” Okpebholo declared.
The governor extended a hand of collaboration to Hon. Onobun and his supporters, urging them to join in the developmental vision for Edo State.
He emphasised the importance of holding contractors accountable and ensuring that all projects reflect the needs and expectations of the people.
Acting deputy state chairman of the APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, said the defection is a major boost for the party, as it prepares for a major senatorial rerun election coming up next month.
He said the remnants in the PDP were expected to join the ruling APC in the coming months, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Hon. Marcus Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, explained that his defection was both ideological and strategic.
“I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” he said.
Hon. Onobun was accompanied into the APC by former APC members who had earlier defected with him to the PDP. Their return, observers say, is a major consolidation of political strength ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
