The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s gubernatorial candidate in 2012 governorship election in Edo State, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere, has defected the the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Airhiavbere who was the National Coordinator of President Goodluck Jonathan Support Group in the State, defected with over 3000 members of the PDP.

The retired military General who announced his defection at a press briefing over the weekend in Benin, said he decided to join the team of change so that the state could enjoy benefits from the central government.

He noted that any politician who meant well for the state would ground his axe of hatred and joined the change train of the APC government.

He also denied collecting money from the PDP to finance his 2012 campaigns as well as getting any gratifications for his group’ support for President Jonathan.

“I know for sure that with APC at the National and State level, there will be rapid development and all campaign promises will be delivered to our state. My drive and passion for Jonathan was my personal effort and group’s donation. I did not get any gratification but for the fact that Edo State should remain at the centre.

“I will always be loyal to the centre. We delivered for PDP on March 28. We will deliver to APC on April 11. My desire is to have a peaceful Edo State. Oshiomhole should enjoy majority at the Edo State House of Assembly,” Airhiavbere said.

The Coordinator of Grassroots Youths Initiative, Osarobo Idahosa and former Senatorial aspirant of PDP, Richard Lamai, led the over 3000 former PDP members to defect to the APC at a rally held in Benin City.