Edo APC faction, lawmakers set to dump party for PDP

THE post-party congress crisis rocking the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new dimension with some lawmakers of the party in the Edo State House of Assembly and a prominent group in the party putting finishing touches to their planned defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nigerian Tribune authoritatively gathered that the Edo APC group, led by the former National Vice Chairman, South-South of the ACN and now a chieftain of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Monday, held a meeting with the national leaders of the PDP at the Aso Rock Villa, where they were told to join the PDP at their various constituencies.
A notable politician in the Ize-Iyamu group confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that they indeed held a meeting at the Presidency on Monday.
Before the Abuja meeting, the group had been meeting with the leadership of the Edo State chapter of the PDP in the last few weeks in Benin and Port Harcourt.
This is coming as the APC in Edo State is exploring avenues to preventing the defection of the group and lawmakers with Governor Adams Oshiomhole reportedly saying that he was
open to talks with them.
Last week, some of the APC lawmakers met with the Edo State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, at his residence, where they sought to know what will be offered them when they finally join the PDP.
Even before now, Orbih had maintained close relationship with some Edo APC lawmakers and is currently working with his executive to provide a safe haven for the politicians after they allegedly lost out to the power play in the Edo APC.
He was present at the burial ceremony of the father of one of the lawmakers, Hon Patrick Osayemen and attended the 70th birthday celebration of a chieftain of the APC, Chief Tom Ikimi, at Igueben in Edo State last weekend.
It is expected that arrangement for the movement of the politicians to the PDP fold would have been concluded before the arrival of President Goodluck Jonathan to Edo State next month, when they will finally declare for the PDP.
It is also expected that other top members of the Edo APC in Edo State including those from the Edo North senatorial district would also declare for the PDP during the visit of Mr President.
When contacted last night, a notable politician in the Ize-Iyamu group from the Edo North Senatorial District said he was in Abuja for an extensive political meeting.