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Charles Idahosa, a seasoned politician and former member of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, has publicly expressed regret over his past support for Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. Idahosa disclosed his sentiments in Benin, during his formal switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he had misguided Obaseki by discouraging his resignation amid a political crisis in 2020.

At the announcement, which also served as a platform for his defection to the APC, Idahosa critiqued the current governance under Obaseki and endorsed the APC’s efforts to secure victory in the upcoming governorship election on September 21. He highlighted the importance of preventing Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate backed by Obaseki, from winning the election.

In response, the Edo State Government, represented by Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, labeled Idahosa as a “butter and bread politician,” questioning his integrity and political allegiance. Despite this, Idahosa dismissed allegations of being financially induced to defect, and he recounted his pivotal role in past political maneuvers that he claims helped Obaseki maintain his position during challenging times.

Idahosa’s return to the APC was celebrated by key party figures, including Dr. Pius Odubu, a former deputy governor and leader of Edo South APC. They described Idahosa’s return as a significant boost for the party, affirming his influential political stature and extensive network.

This political development marks a full-circle moment for Idahosa, who originally left the APC in 2020 along with Obaseki due to internal disagreements. Now back in the APC fold, Idahosa pledges to dedicate his efforts to unite the party members and secure a win in the forthcoming elections, aiming to bring Edo State back under APC governance.