Hon. Gloria Emike Idiko Dumps ZLP, Declares For APC
Hon. Gloria Emike Idiko, who finished second in the just-concluded Etsako East Local Government Area chairmanship election, has dumped the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a fresh political development in the aftermath of the council poll won by Rt. Hon. Sunday Ekpetika Akiotu of the APC.
Idiko, who announced her defection after consultations with her constituents and supporters, said her decision was driven by a desire to better serve the people of Etsako East and align with a political platform that reflects her vision for progress and development.
In her declaration, the former ZLP candidate said she had formally resigned her membership of the party after what she described as a meticulous evaluation of her political direction and extensive consultations with her support base.
“After meticulous evaluation and consultations with my constituents and supporters, I have decided to formally resign my membership from the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and move to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” she stated.
She stressed that her commitment to the people of Etsako East remained unchanged, despite the outcome of the chairmanship election, adding that community development would continue to guide her political engagement.
Idiko also disclosed that she received a warm welcome from APC stakeholders in the local government, particularly the ALGON Chairman Edo State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika, whom she praised for his leadership and contributions to the area.
“I truly appreciate you for all your good works and love for the people of Etsako East Area Council. May the Almighty God continue to bless you,” she said.
The former candidate further acknowledged the reception extended to her by ward chairmen, zonal leaders and other party stakeholders, including the Weppa Wanno Zonal Leader, Hon. Stanley Odidi, Hon. Austin Iluore and Engr. Michael Ethagbe.
She expressed appreciation to the leaders and supporters who welcomed her into the APC, pledging to work with them towards the development of Etsako East.
“Together, we shall work to make Etsako East a better place,” Idiko added.
Her defection comes in the wake of the local government chairmanship election in July, 2026, where she finished behind Hon. Sunday Akiotu Ekpetika, the eventual winner. The move shifts her political affiliation to the APC as she begins a new phase of her political journey.
