From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has led 17 Local Government Chairmen, numerous councillors, and several prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Agbebaku stated that the move aims to align with Governor Monday Okpebholo to accelerate development across Edo State.
Senator Ajibola Bashiru, APC National Secretary, received the defectors on behalf of National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, assuring them of equal opportunities within the party. He described the defection as a milestone for APC’s consolidation in Edo. Notable 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 welcomed the new members, promising accelerated growth with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support. “Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a President who believes in our people. From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability,” he said.
Okpebholo vowed that Edo would lead the South-South in supporting Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, stating, “We have the structure and the momentum, and we will launch this mission from Edo State.”
Bashiru praised Okpebholo’s leadership, citing regular salary payments and infrastructure projects like road construction in Ekpoma. He noted that the defections reflect growing confidence in the APC-led administration.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo Governor, called Agbebaku’s return to APC a homecoming, noting his role as an original party builder. “Out of 24 Assembly members, APC now holds 18 seats, providing the legislative support to move the state forward,” Oshiomhole said, predicting Okpebholo’s re-election in 2028 and Tinubu’s in 2027.
APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe attributed the defections to Okpebholo’s visible achievements, stating, “The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party.” Agbebaku highlighted projects like Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West LGA as evidence of inclusive governance, pledging support for Okpebholo and Tinubu.
APC State Woman Leader Betty Okoebor called the PDP a “sinking ship,” asserting APC’s dominance. Lucky Ohimia, youth coordinator of Asiwaju 2027, thanked Okpebholo for fostering peace and pledged to mobilise support for APC in future elections.