A former governorship aspirant and Deputy Director General, of Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020, Gideon Ikhine has left the ruling party in the state and is set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recall that Ikhine was the first governorship aspirant ahead of the 2020 governorship election to step down for Governor Obaseki and donate his campaign office and structure to Obaseki to realize his second term bid after he was disqualified by the APC.
TRACKNEWS reports that Ikhine announced his decision to leave the PDP in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the party in Ward 7 (Ukpenu/ Ujolen/ Emuhi) Ekpoma, Esan West local government area and dated July 8, 2023.
However, the former governorship aspirant did not disclose the reason for leaving the state ruling party.
Ikhine said “It has been a great honour to contribute to the growth and success of this party over the years, with the People Democratic Party 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 another capacity.”
When contacted on the phone by Vanguard for the reasons he left the party, he said “It was for personal reasons,” on his governorship ambition and his next destination, Ikhine said, “I am still consulting but I will definitely be joining the APC a few days from now and I will address a press conference soon to clear the grey areas.”
The publication gathered that there was an understanding between him and the governor that he would get the right of first refusal ahead of 2024 but it seems the governor is not ready to honour that gentleman’s agreement.
