Ikhine Dumps PDP for APC in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Director General, Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020, Mr. Gideon Ikhine, has dumped the PDP and is set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter addressed to the Chairman, PDP Ward 7 (Ukpenu/ Ujolen/ Emuhi) Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State,  and dated July 8, 2023, Ikhine, who did not give any reason for leaving the party, said: “It has been a great honour to contribute to the growth and success of this party over the years, with the PDP recording outstanding results from my Ward all through the 24 years of working with you.

“My commitment to the people of Ward 7, Esan-West Local Government and Edo people remains firm and resolute to keep serving them in other capacity.”

When contacted on phone to explain why he decided to leave, he said: “It was for personal reasons.”

However, speaking on his governorship ambition and his next destination, Ikhine said though he was still consulting, he  noted that his next destination would be the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I am still consulting but I will definitely by joining the APC few days from now and I will address a press conference soon to clear the grey areas,” he declared.

Ikhine was the first governorship aspirant in the 2020 governorship election to step down for Governor Godwin Obaseki and donated his campaign office and structure to  Obaseki to realise his second term ambition after he was disqualified by the APC.

It was gathered that there was an understanding between him and the governor that he would get right of first refusal ahead of 2024 but it seems the governor is not ready to honour that gentleman’s agreement.