Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the alleged clamp down on the opposition in the state as it moves towards 2019 general elections.

The state chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbi when he received prominent members of the ruling party in Benin who defected to the PDP, observed that a virile opposition is crucial to the success of any democracy. 

Prominent members of the APC, include former Education Commissioner and immediate past chairman, Ovia North East local government, Mrs Lucy Omagbon, as well as a former member of the House of Representatives, Harrison Omagbon, others include former chairmen, Uhunmwode local government council and 2nd member, Edo state Inland revenue service, Mr John Obazee and the State Chairperson, Kwankwansia movement, Chief Osamede Adun.

The defectors identify lack of internal democracy in APC, poor implementation of Party manifesto, and absence of accountability amongst leaders of the part as the reasons for their defection. 

In their various messages a former senator representing Edo central senatorial district, Mr. Odion Ugbesia and former education Commissioner, chief Frank Erewele asked the people not to lose hope as the next election will provide another opportunity to elect leaders of their choice.