Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has led a group of prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 17 Local Government Chairmen, and several councilors to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fred Itua, the chief press secretary to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, revealed this to Naija News on Tuesday.
According to the Speaker, the action was taken in coordination with Governor Okpebholo to expedite development throughout the state.
Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the party’s national secretary, welcomed the defectors on behalf of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and emphasized the importance of their defection as a turning point for the party’s consolidation in Edo. He also promised them equal opportunities within the APC.
Former Deputy Speaker Hon. Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Hon. Nosa Nosayaba, former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba, Hon. Sunny Ifada, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, and others all decamped with the Speaker.
Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed the new entrants into the APC fold, promising that the State is on a path to accelerated growth with the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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,” the governor stated.
He further declared that Edo would play a leading role in ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. “We will lead the South-South in supporting Mr. President. We have the structure and the momentum, and we will launch this mission from Edo State,” he affirmed.
Bashiru, standing in for Ganduje, commended Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, particularly for ensuring regular salary payments and infrastructural renewal such as the ongoing road projects in Ekpoma.
Adams Oshiomhole, Monday Okpebholo
He pointed out that the defection wave represents a change in the political landscape and a rise in trust in the APC-led government.
Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and senator for Edo North, celebrated the Speaker’s return to the APC as a “homecoming,” characterizing Agbebaku as one of the party’s founding founders in the state.
“The governor’s outstanding performance is demonstrated by this defection. The APC currently controls 18 of the Assembly’s 24 seats, giving it the legislative backing it needs to advance the state, Oshiomhole stated.
He expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would earn him a second term in 2028, just as Edo State would deliver for President Tinubu in 2027.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to the visible development strides under Governor Okpebholo.
“The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party,” he said.
In his remarks, Speaker Agbebaku commended the governor’s emphasis on development, pointing to the building of three important highways in Owan West LGA and Uhonmora Secondary School as examples of inclusive administration.
He said, “We are here to help the president and the governor move Edo forward.”
The PDP, according to APC State Woman Leader Betty Okoebor, is a “sinking ship,” and the overwhelming defection indicates that the APC has taken over the state.
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