Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would secure a massive victory in the upcoming by-elections in the State.

The Governor made the declaration while receiving defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area on Sunday.

He assured that he and his deputy as sons of the soil, would work for Edo people.

“Why are we working for Edo people? We are working for Edo because we are confirmed sons of the soil. We are not foreigners. We were not borrowed from somewhere else.

“My mother is an Esan woman. My father is an Esan man. I grew up there. My deputy, the same Edo. So, if we are from here, we must work for our people.”

Among the prominent defectors welcomed into the APC were Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere, the sitting member representing Ovia North Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly; Hon. Peter Ekhator, a former council chairman; Hon. Uwaifo; Hon. Christopher Igodalo; and their numerous followers.

Other speakers at the event, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, praised Governor Okpebholo’s performance, which they said was the primary reason many were joining the party.