The political atmosphere in the Ola-Edihi zone in Omala LGA was electrified as the campaign train for APC flag bearer for the forthcoming local government election, Hon. Mark Edibo Ameh made a triumphant entry, attracting an overwhelming crowd of supporters.
The event, witnessed a series of rallies and high-profile decamping from opposition parties, further solidifying Hon. Mark’s growing political influence.
The campaign trail began at Icheke Ogane, where Hon. Mark, accompanied by a formidable entourage, visited the Royal Father of the land, Chief Achegbulu Akuh (Onuh Egena).
The meeting was a formal show of respect to the traditional institution and a crucial part of securing grassroots support.
Hon. Mark sought royal blessings and declared his political ambitions, ensuring that the traditional leaders were on board with his vision for the local government. The Royal Father, in turn, expressed his goodwill, blessing the campaign and urging peaceful political engagements as the election season unfolds.
From Icheke Ogane, the campaign team proceeded to Icheke Ajokpachi, the designated venue for the main event of the day.
Here, a massive crowd had already gathered, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Hon. Mark and his team. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as supporters from all walks of life welcomed the campaign train with chants, songs, and banners showcasing their unwavering support for Hon. Mark’s candidacy.
After the observance of formal protocols and the recognition of dignitaries present, one of the highlights of the event occurred when Hon. Lazarus Akubo, a prominent political figure in the area, and current SSA to the state Governor, alongside his team, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was met with applause, symbolizing a growing shift in political allegiances in favor of Hon. Mark. Other key SDP members in the ward also followed suit, marking their allegiance to the ruling party, APC.
The next major stop on the campaign trail was at Akpacha ward. Hon. Mark’s team visited the paramount ruler, the Ogohi of Akpacha, HRH Chief Paul Achor, at his palace.
In keeping with tradition, Hon. Mark declared his political aspirations and once again sought royal blessings. The Ogohi, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of unity and peace during the campaign season, offering his blessings to Hon. Mark and encouraging him to continue fostering development in the local government when elected.
After the royal visit, the campaign proceeded to the program venue in Ibado, where yet another significant wave of political realignments took place.
A large number of SDP members publicly decamped, pledging their support for Hon. Mark and the APC. This series of defections further highlighted the momentum behind Hon. Mark’s campaign and the growing disillusionment within the ranks of the SDP.
The final stop of the day was at Abejukolo Ward II, where the SDP ward councillorship candidate, Hon. Solomon Omada, made headlines by officially defecting to the APC.
His defection, along with that of the PDP ward secretary and other notable SDP members, sent shockwaves through the local political scene, signaling a major boost for Hon. Mark’s campaign.
The mass defections to the APC across multiple wards in the Ola-Edihi zone demonstrated Hon. Mark’s ability to unite diverse political forces under his banner. As the campaign gained more traction, the support from key figures within the SDP and PDP reinforced the perception that Hon. Mark is poised to be a leading contender in the upcoming elections.
