By joshua 
FROM IKHILI EBALU , BENIN CITY
Ahead of the September 21 Edo Governorship Election, a top member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Edo Central, Chief Francis Inegbeneki on monday restated that he resigned his membership of the party without any regrets.
He said the top echelons of the APC within and outside the state have reached out to him making passionate appeal to reconsider his defection.
Briefing newsmen at the Secretariat of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Benin, Inegbeneki said he is yet to make a statement on his next political move.
He said he has dumped the party after submitting a letter of resignation dated June 8th 2024 and addressed to the APC Ward 9 Chairman in Opoji, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
Inegbeneki, until his resignation was the State Vice Chairman of the APC.
Stating that, after keeping the faith with the party for 25 years, some recent developments in the party in his local government area and Edo State conflicted with his core principles and values.
According to him, “it is time now to chart a new course for the good of all.”
Inegbeneki noted that the development in the party led him to do a serious evaluation of his political future in Edo State and determined the way forward.
He said that after due consultations with family, friends and political associates, he resolved to formally inform the party of his decision to resign membership of the APC and his enviable role as the state vice chairman.
“There comes a time in the life of every man when some hard decisions must be taken not only in one’s interest but in the general interest of his People. This is one of such moments. It is a hard decision but it is the best in the interest of the good people of my senatorial district.” Inegbeneki said.
Inegbeneki, however advised that a lot needed to be done to reposition the party in the state.
He thanked his supporters and followers for their support and loyalty through the years, despite the difficult challenges.To all my friends, brothers and sisters in the All Progressives Congress (APC), I wish you well and wish to let you know that we still remain what we are.
“I cherish our relationship, and nothing can change it. I believe in the future of Nigeria, I believe in the Renewed Hope agenda. Together, we shall continue to work for the progress of our dear state, Edo and the country at large.” Inegbeneki said.