 recorded a significant boost in Edo State on Tuesday as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and other prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially switched allegiance to the ruling party.){kind=link}
The All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded a significant boost in Edo State on Tuesday as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and other prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially switched allegiance to the ruling party.
Alongside Agbebaku, two other lawmakers—Sunny Ifada representing Esan Central and Yekini Idaiye of Akoko Edo I—also defected to the APC.
Their move increased the APC’s representation in the 24-member House to 18, leaving the PDP with just six seats.
The defection ceremony, held in Benin City, attracted several grassroots politicians and influential PDP figures who also pledged loyalty to the APC.
Among them were councillors from 17 local government areas, ex-Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, and the PDP’s former State Secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba.
Receiving the new members on behalf of APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, described the occasion as a key moment in strengthening the party’s influence in Edo.
He assured the defectors of fair treatment and noted their decision reflected rising public trust in the APC-led administration.
Bashiru commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for notable progress in infrastructure, highlighting projects such as road construction in Ekpoma.
He emphasized that the mass defections signaled a shift in public sentiment toward development-focused leadership.
Governor Okpebholo, addressing the gathering, credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for supporting the state’s transformation efforts.
He listed key investments in infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture as central to Edo’s development agenda.
According to Okpebholo, the state would play a crucial role in mobilizing the South-South region in support of President Tinubu’s second-term bid. “Edo is ready to lead the charge,” he declared.
Also speaking at the event, former governor and APC stalwart Senator Adams Oshiomhole described Speaker Agbebaku’s return to the APC as a reunion, noting his past involvement in founding the party in the state.
With the APC now holding a majority in the House, Oshiomhole expressed confidence in the party’s ability to steer the state’s progress.
He predicted a strong showing for the APC in upcoming elections, adding that the governor’s performance would likely earn him another term in 2028.
Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe attributed the defections to the governor’s developmental impact, while the party’s State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, characterized the PDP as a “failing party.”
In his remarks, Speaker Agbebaku cited recent infrastructure projects in Owan West, including the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads, as proof of inclusive governance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the governor and the president in advancing the state.