By Tony Okonigene
Chief Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Esanland, who recently resigned from his exalted position as the Edo APC State Vice Chairman ( Central), has given reasons why he dumped the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party. He also called on some leaders of the All Progressives Congress, who are grumbling in silence to take the bold step by abandoning the sinking boat of the APC.
Inegbeniki, while addressing the Esan Central PDP Elders Council on Saturday, praised the leaders and delegates of the PDP for electing Barr Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate. He disclosed that the PDP Primary was the best that promoted internal party democracy. He described the primary of the APC as a war and an embarrassment to our democracy noting that the PDP still remains the largest party in Africa.
Chief Inegbeniki disclosed that his primary aim for joining active politics was to ensure the emergence of an Edo Governor of Esan extraction. He told the PDP leaders that Esan people cannot afford to gamble with this God given opportunity to produce the next governor of the state. He noted that it is time to jettison partisan politics and go for the best amongst the lot.
Inegbeniki revealed that even in the inner caucus meetings of the APC, the leaders have agreed that the APC candidate is no match for Barr Asue Ighodalo but out of partisan politics, they have decided to play the spoiler game. He said that this was not acceptable to his political ideology and his crusade for an Edo Governor of Esan extraction.
He told the PDP leaders that most of the APC leaders would have left the party but are hanging on because they have been promised one federal board appointment or the other. He said that the APC is convinced that Barr Asue Ighodalo is the best and that he will win the elections with a landslide. He urged the leaders of APC especially those from Edo Central, to take the bold step and join the PDP candidate, Barr Asue Ighodalo for the sake of a secure future for our children and to present the best from Edo Central.
On hand to receive and welcome Chief Francis Inegbeniki were; the PDP leader in Esan Central, Senator Clifford Ordia ,who was represented by the Deputy Leader and DG, Esan Central PDP Governorship Campaign Council, MSE Adekunle Oboh, Party Chairman, Apostle Mathew Ebhotiemen, Council Chairman, Hon. Paul Iyoha, Member PDP State Executive Committee and Director Operations, Amb. Tony Okonigene, Director Strategy and Planing, Elder Mathew Emiohe, Director Finance, Sir Dan Okoebo, Director Mobilization, Barr Emma Agbale, Director Special Duties, Prof. Waziri Edokpa , Director Media, Arc. Victor Olearie and leaders of all the wards in Esan Central local government.
