In a major political realignment in Edo State, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday led a mass defection of 17 local government chairmen, several councillors, and key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Announcing the defection, Speaker Agbebaku said the move was driven by a shared vision to align with Governor Monday Okpebholo in accelerating development across the state.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, welcomed them into the party, assuring equal opportunities for all.
He described the defection as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation in Edo State.
Prominent figures among the defectors include Hon. Sunny Ifada; Hon. Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker; Hon. Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader; Hon. Nosa Nosayaba; and former PDP State Secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba.
Governor Okpebholo, while welcoming the new members, lauded their decision as timely and strategic.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture, attributing the state’s progress to the support of President Bola Tinubu.
“We are witnessing unprecedented development in Edo under a president who truly believes in our people. From road construction to education and employment, we are building a foundation for economic stability and food security,” the governor said.
He also pledged Edo State’s strong support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“Edo will lead the South-South in returning Mr. President to office. We have the momentum, and we will begin this mission right here,” Okpebholo declared.
Senator Bashiru praised the governor’s leadership, especially in maintaining regular salary payments and advancing critical infrastructure like the Ekpoma road projects.
He said the influx of defectors marks a shift in political loyalty and growing public trust in the APC administration.
Former governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described Agbebaku’s return as a homecoming, hailing him as one of the founding members of the APC in the state.
“This defection reflects confidence in the governor’s performance. With 18 out of 24 Assembly seats now under APC control, we have the legislative support needed to drive Edo forward,” he stated.
Oshiomhole also expressed confidence that the administration’s achievements would secure a second term for Governor Okpebholo in 2028 and a decisive victory for President Tinubu in 2027.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, echoed similar sentiments, attributing the surge in defections to Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides.
“The governor’s track record is attracting people back to the party. The results are visible,” he said.
In his remarks, Speaker Agbebaku highlighted the governor’s inclusive governance, citing projects such as the Uhonmora Secondary School and three key roads in Owan West LGA. “We are here to work with the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” he affirmed.
APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” declaring that the mass defection cements the APC’s status as the dominant political force in Edo State.
Credit: Leadership except headline
