Edo south APC leaders ‘endorse’ PDP’s Ogbeide-Ihama as Okpebholo’s running mate

Some All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in the southern part of Edo state have reportedly thrown their weight behind Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.

Ogbeide-Ihama is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is seeking to become the running mate of Monday Okpebholo, senator representing Edo central.

In February, Okpebholo was elected as the candidate of the APC for the Edo governorship poll.

Some of the Edo APC leaders reportedly backing Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the house of representatives, as Okpebholo’s running mate, are Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former governorship candidate, and Matthew Urhoghide, a former senator.

Others are Charles Airhiavbere, a retired general, and Lucky Imasuen, a former deputy governor of Edo, among others.

An APC chieftain who pleaded anonymity for this story, and who was privy to some of these meetings, said the endgame is to get Edo south on the side of Okpebholo.

He said Ogbeide-Ihama would move to the APC with at least 190 factional ward chairs, who would play a critical role in the governorship election scheduled for September 21.

“You know the calibre of people who are members of the faction of the PDP in Edo state,” the APC chieftain said.

“The PDP in Edo state is strong because of them and with their united support, it’s a game changer, and victory is assured for our candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.”

The media office of Okpebholo quoted him as welcoming the endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama, adding that this would be the first time a development of this nature is taking place in the state.

“I fully welcome the development and endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama by leaders of APC from Edo south,” he said.