Matthew Urhoghide, the former Senator who represented Edo South Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023, has officially switched his political allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Approximately four months ago, Urhoghide had already declared his departure from the PDP. On the 18th of September, 2023, he formalized his transition to the APC.
This significant move took place at the APC’s Ward 2 secretariat located on Airport Road in Benin, Edo State. The state chairman of the APC, Col. David Imuse (rtd.), warmly welcomed Urhoghide.
Joining in this pivotal moment were two former Edo deputy governors, Dr. Pius Odubu and Chief Lucky Imasuen, as well as Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the running mate to the APC’s gubernatorial candidate during the September 19, 2020, governorship election. Alhaji Gani Audu and other prominent party leaders were also present.
He formally registered as a member of the APC during the reception and intends to contest the 2024 Edo State governorship election on the platform of the party.
Speaking on why he dumped the PDP, Senator Urhoghide explained that some disagreements over some issues forced him out.
He however added that a founding member of the APC, he was glad to be back home.
He said: “When I resigned from the PDP in May, I said I was going to join another political party, so long as I remain in partisan politics.
After a careful evaluation of what is going on in Edo State, I decided to go back to the party that I was a part of its building. I am a founding member of APC. This is where I really have my political friends and associates. I came to rebuild APC.
“I am not rejoining APC alone, but moving with my teeming followers and supporters. There is no ward in the entire 77 wards in Edo South Senatorial District that I did not site a project, while I was in the Senate.”
Edo chairman of APC, in his remarks, urged other members of the party, who were on exile, voyage, and sabbatical leave, to return home to the party.
